Why Democracy: Past

 

Why Democracy: Past¹

(Ancient Times ~ 1990)

 

Democracy, like many great ideas, did not appear fully formed. It grew, stumbled, disappeared, re-emerged, and matured over time. From the ancient hills of Athens to the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, democracy had to fight for survival—against kings, emperors, ideologues, and even the temptations of its own weaknesses. This post explores why democracy persisted and grew stronger through history, using four lenses: ideals, reality, human nature, and comparison.

 

1. Idealistic Perspective: Born in the Agora

 

The dream of democracy began as a radical idea: that ordinary people could govern themselves. In ancient Athens, citizens gathered on the Pnyx hill to debate and vote on public issues. It wasn’t perfect—only free male citizens could participate—but it planted a seed.

18th century Enlightenment revived this ideal. Thinkers like John Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu argued for liberty, social contracts, and the separation of powers. Christianity, too, contributed to the ideal by affirming the equal worth of every soul, planting deeper moral foundations for equality and justice.

Over time, these ideals inspired revolutions: in America (1776), France (1789), and across Europe. The idea that people are created equal and have a right to shape their own destiny became the beating heart of democratic aspiration.

 

2. Practical Perspective: Messy, Slow, and Often Interrupted

 

Democracy in practice was never easy. Even as ideals spread, monarchies clung to power, empires grew, and many “people’s revolutions” collapsed into new forms of tyranny.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, democracies began to institutionalize. Voting rights expanded. Parliaments gained power. But the world also saw backslides: fascism in Italy and Germany, Stalinism in the Soviet Union, military coups in Latin America, and colonial powers denying democratic rights abroad.

Even in the democratic West, systems were fragile. Women couldn’t vote in many countries until the 20th century. Civil rights were denied to millions. It was only after immense struggle—civil wars, protests, and legal battles—that democratic institutions took stronger root.

Still, progress was made. After World War II, many countries rebuilt with democratic constitutions, often under U.S. or European influence. Institutions like the United Nations and the European Union promoted democratic norms internationally.

 

3. Human Nature Perspective: A System That Learns

 

People are flawed. We are driven by ego, fear, greed—and yet, democracy is a system that assumes these flaws rather than pretending they don’t exist.

Through checks and balances, democratic systems limit power, prevent abuse, and allow for peaceful disagreement. The idea is not that leaders are always good, but that bad leaders can be removed. Not that the public is always wise, but that their collective voice matters and can grow wiser over time.

This was a key advantage over other systems: democracy doesn’t seek perfection. It embraces imperfection and builds in correction mechanisms—like elections, courts, protests, and a free press.

 

4. Comparative Perspective: Tested by Fire, Not Found Perfect

 

Compared to monarchies, empires, or totalitarian regimes, democracy has often been messier—but more humane. Authoritarian governments promised order, but often delivered fear. Democracies allowed criticism, debate, and change.

In the 20th century, democracy’s biggest test came in the form of fascism and communism. Hitler and Mussolini exploited democratic systems to gain power—and then dismantled them. Stalin built a regime that crushed dissent in the name of the people. Many wondered if democracy was too weak to survive.

But by the end of the Cold War, democracy had outlasted its major competitors. In 1989, the Berlin Wall fell. Eastern Europe shook off communist control. In 1991, the Soviet Union dissolved. For a moment, it seemed democracy had triumphed.

 

Mini Story: A Wall Falls, A Door Opens

 

In November 1989, people gathered on both sides of the Berlin Wall. For decades, it had separated East from West, dictatorship from democracy. That night, guards stood confused as crowds chanted, climbed, and finally broke through. Families were reunited. Streets were filled with music, tears, and laughter.

That wall, once a symbol of oppression, became a symbol of hope. Democracy had not been perfect, but it had endured. And at that moment, it seemed the world was choosing freedom.

 

Closing Thought

 

The story of democracy up to 1990 is not one of straight lines. It is the story of an ideal tested by history, grounded in human imperfection, and proven more resilient than its rivals. It grew not because it was easy, but because people believed it was worth fighting for.

And now, we turn to the present: a time when democracy is both dominant and under threat in new ways. In the next post, we’ll ask—why democracy now?

 

Footnote1

This article is based on a conversation between me and AI (Gemini, Grok, Claude, Chatgpt). The content is taken from Chatgpt's answer, reflecting some parts of other AI's answers. The author of this article is not responsible for any claims for damage arising from this article.