The peculiar office of a demagogue is to advance his own interests, by affecting a deep devotion to the interests of the people. . . .
He who would be a courtier under a king, is almost certain to be a demagogue in a democracy.
James Fenimore Cooper, The American Democrat: Or, Hints on the Social and Civic Relations of the United States of America (1838).
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James Fenimore Cooper
1 reply on “James Fenimore Cooper”
Not necessarily a demagogue. As is the case with many a flinty individualist, he overstates his case. They might just as well be attorneys or ambassadors. I’m afraid that the broad brush never works no matter how talented the hand unless you’re just whitewashing.