https://theloop.ecpr.eu/herman-melvilles-ruthless-democracy/

In her essay on Herman Melville's conception of democracy, which Melville called his "ruthless democracy", Jennifer Greiman gives us a tremendous insight into a little known idea of democracy.

Here are a couple of quotes:

"Ruthless democracy is a commitment to the fundamental equality of human (and nonhuman) life that demands a receptivity to perpetual change."

And

"Where Melville's plots emphasise the fragility and transience of democracy, his aesthetics of figuration, analogy, and abstraction show how democracy’s power persists in its capacity to transform itself."

Melville builds his ruthless democracy across his works. It involves mutineers, whales, and the search for freedom.

Is there a pro-democracy quote in a work of Melville's that you like or admire? Share it with us here!

https://theloop.ecpr.eu/herman-melvilles-ruthless-democracy/