"Democracy gives every man the right to be his own oppressor." ― James Russell Lowell Topic(s): Government More From James Russell Lowell "The heart forgets its sorrow and ache." "The only faith that wears well and holds its color in all weathers is that which is woven of conviction and set with the sharp mordant of experience." "Democracy is the form of government that gives every man the right to be his own oppressor." More In Government "I had no fun. My family was too serious."― Miuccia Prada "The people are the government, administering it by their agents; they are the government, the sovereign power."― Andrew Jackson "Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison."― Henry David Thoreau