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2026-03-24

Levels of belief in democracy

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There seem to be multiple levels of belief in democracy:
- Actually following all the laws and norms of democracy. Example: many journalists who follow the law and make principled defence of free speech and similar
- Follow the "spirit" of democracy, but violate some laws. Example: Edward Snowden. Julian Assange (???)
- Pay lipservice to democracy, but violate norms as required. Example: Politicians who consistently lie to the public or accept bribes from billionaires.
(There is also a similar hierarchy for levels of belief in capitalism)
I will feel better if I think of myself somewhere in the middle, and not the bottom. Although I am willing to go to the bottom if necessary. If I go to the bottom, that would be a departure from my past self, and hence it will take significant effort for me to self-modify in this manner.
It is very important then, that I try to understand what is the "spirit of democracy" or "spirit of capitalism" that holds true even if you break many of the laws and norms in its current instantiation. Basically, I want to modify capitalism and democracy without dismantling them completely, and most importantly, I want to retain a self-image of someone who is modifying and not destroying these ideas.

Update

Maybe I should also read more about liberalism? Since I clearly want to violate liberal consent norms.

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