Better than any other political system, democracy allows for the self-realization of individuals.
GUY PARMELIN—Former President of Switzerland

Self-actualization [is] the promise of a true participatory democracy.
TIMOTHY HARRIS—Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis

As a reminder, the quotations contained in How to Save Democracy: Advice and Inspiration from 95 World Leaders are derived from the first Summit for Democracy that occurred in early December of 2021.

The second Summit for Democracy is taking place on March 29-30.

What are these summits all about? World leaders, activists, journalists, and others gather “to reflect, listen, and learn, as well as to plan and act, so that we can build a shared foundation for global democratic renewal.”

Below are a half dozen quotations from the first section of the book entitled “The Virtues of Democracy.”

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Democracy is the greatest guarantor of peace.
ALBERTO FERNÁNDEZ—President of Argentina

While democracy is not perfect, it is perfectible. And that is the difference between democracy and autocracy. In democracies, you can criticize. You can protest. And you can freely discuss opposing ideas. That’s freedom. So let’s stand up for it. Let’s take up the challenge together.
URSULA VON DER LEYEN—President of the European Commission

Tolerance, non-discrimination, and respect for human rights are our shared principles and values.
ULISSES CORREIA E SILVA—Prime Minister of Cabo Verde

Section I, the “Virtues of Democracy,” is divided into five chapters:

The Best System of Government
Core Values
The Will of the People
Peace, Cooperation, and Integrity
Engine of Progress

Read the “Foreword” written by Joshua Graham Lynn, CEO of RepresentUs.

Read the Foreword

What history tells us is that democracy has the infinite capacity to evolve.
JOHN BRICEÑO—Prime Minister of Belize

In the end, it all boils down to one simple question. How do you want to live? As a strong believer in the democratic system, my answer is simple. I want to live in a world—I want my children and my future grandchildren to grow up in a world—where the freedom of expression, of religion or belief, the freedom of assembly, and the rights of minorities are not just noble sentiments but an everyday reality.
ALEXANDER SCHALLENBERG—Former Chancellor of Austria

Democracy is a work in progress, requiring constant effort and perpetual vigilance.
ROOSEVELT SKERRIT—Prime Minister of Dominica

I am mailing out copies of How to Save Democracy: Advice and Inspiration from 95 World Leaders to paid subscribers this week. How to get a copy:

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Thanks for your support. Keep calm and carry on.

American Commonwealth

'Self-Actualization' Is the Promise of True…