[A Sip of Books] Is There No Democracy for the Powerless?

Editor's NoteSome sentences encapsulate the entire content of a book, while others instantly resonate with the reader’s heart, creating a connection with the book. We excerpt and introduce such meaningful sentences from books.

The book begins with the tragic deaths of those unprotected from disasters, crimes, accidents, diseases, and poverty throughout our society. The author points out that in democratic systems, the voices of the weak often lack power and can sometimes become the cause of tragedy rather than a solution. Do the representatives in the parliament and government truly represent all of us? Do government organizations in democratic countries operate democratically? What is more suitable for a democratic society: democratic leaders or a ‘philosopher king’ capable of solving problems? Which do we desire? The author introduces various paradoxes surrounding the subjects and institutions of democracy and tentatively explores the path toward hope.

What is the essence of democracy? Is it about dividing the state's governing power into small parts to implement checks and balances? Is it about elections where citizens are given equal voting rights to elect representatives? Is it majority rule, where those who win 51% of the votes control the government? It is certainly not just these things. These are not the entirety of the democracy we love. (p. 38)

The phrase “the heart of democracy” does not mean that democracy has a heart like a person. It means that each citizen’s heart is directed toward democracy and contains democratic values. When democratic values fill our hearts, we become citizens (市民); when autocratic values fill them, we become subjects (臣民). When capitalist values fill them, we become entrepreneurs; when communal values fill them, we become comrades. The heart is us. (p. 42)

Through 작음, I will talk about the path of life carried with despair. Beyond a prescriptive perspective of what will work well, I will directly pose questions about our existence and life and reflect on them. What matters is not only living well but living together, understanding, and living rightly. And it is about acknowledging what we cannot do and humbly doing what we can. (p. 45)

Please cherish the flame of public-mindedness within you and keep it from ever going out. (p. 373)

I wanted to convey that understanding others and the world?especially the worlds hidden from mainstream discourse?sharing democratic responsibility rather than relying on a strong leader, attempting reconciliation with fate, and living with the heart of the small are the ways to cultivate the heart of democracy. (pp. 373?374)

Democracy for the Despairing | Written by Choi Taehyun | Changbi | 416 pages | 23,000 KRW

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.