实际情况中，人民的意愿指的不过是人民中人数最多或发言最积极那部分人的意愿；多数人，或那些成功地控制主流发言权的人可以利用他们的“民主权利”去压迫他们以外的任何人。这种“多数人的暴政”和任何其他滥用权力的行为一样，都需要采取措施来防止这种情况发生。因此，即使在一个拥有政府时时刻刻能被民众审查的民主社会中，政府权力的限制依然未失去其重要性。

The will of the people, moreover, practically means the will of the most numerous or the most active part of the people; the majority, or those who succeed in making themselves accepted as the majority; the people, consequently may desire to oppress a part of their number; and precautions are as much needed against this as against any other abuse of power. The limitation, therefore, of the power of government over individuals loses none of its importance when the holders of power are regularly accountable to the community, that is, to the strongest party therein

一个有信仰的人，他的社会力量，是相等于九十九个仅仅只有着各自、各样兴趣的人。

One person with a belief is a social power equal to ninety-nine who have only interests.

作一个不满足的人，胜过一只满足的猪；作一个不幸的苏格拉底，胜过作一个满足的痴人。

It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.