Athenian democracy was different from the much later American form, not only because it was the expression of a single city-state but because it was a direct [democracy], rather than a representative democracy. To us, looking backwards, it may seem imprudent to invite all citizens to vote on all major initiatives, but Solon was right to appreciate that no Athenian freeman could allow himself to be left out of anything.


Ch.IV The Politician and the Playwright: How to Rule - Sailing the Wine-Dark Sea: Why the Greeks Matter (2003)

Thomas Cahill Quotes

Athenian democracy was different from the much later American form, not only because it was the expression of a single city-state but because it was...

Athenian democracy was different from the much later American form, not only because it was the expression of a single city-state but because it was...

Athenian democracy was different from the much later American form, not only because it was the expression of a single city-state but because it was...

Athenian democracy was different from the much later American form, not only because it was the expression of a single city-state but because it was...