Democracy is essentially anti-authoritarian – that is, it not only demands the right but imposes the responsibility of thinking for ourselves - John Dryden

Hello, I am John Dryden, a poet, playwright, and thinker. Among the many observations I have made, one resonates deeply across time and society: “Democracy is essentially anti-authoritarian – that is, it not only demands the right but imposes the responsibility of thinking for ourselves.” When I wrote these words, I sought to highlight the essence of democracy—not just as a system of governance, but as a way of life. Democracy is founded on the principle that individuals have the right to govern themselves, free from the tyranny of kings, despots, or unchecked authority. But this freedom comes with a responsibility: the duty to think critically, question authority, and engage in the decisions that shape our collective future. In my time, the struggle was against monarchs and rigid hierarchies that sought to dictate every aspect of life. The fight for self-governance was not merely political; it was intellectual and moral. To be free, we had to think independently and resist the allure of blind obedience.