Ch. 29 : Avoiding Utopia
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Our system, which we call democracy, at least leaves us the right from time to time to get rid of those who wish to govern us. And, if it's nowhere near Utopia, it is probably the best of all imperfect systems. All I can do is to advise you to be very cautious of those who claim to represent you and order you about for your own good.
— John Mortimer
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "Our system, which we call democracy, at least leaves us the right from time to time to get rid of those who wish to govern us. And, if it's nowhere near Utopia, it is probably the best of all imperfect systems. All I can do is to advise you to be very cautious of those who claim to represent you and order you about for your own good." in the context of "Ch. 29 : Avoiding Utopia" to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "John Mortimer" (Quotes, Where There's a Will: Thoughts on the Good Life (2003))
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
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About John Mortimer
John Mortimer QC (21 April 1923 – 16 January 2009) was an English barrister and writer, best known for his Rumpole of the Bailey television drama series and books.
About John Mortimer
John Mortimer QC (21 April 1923 – 16 January 2009) was an English barrister and writer, best known for his Rumpole of the Bailey television drama series and books.
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