This quote is a rather cynical view of democracy, suggesting that it is the “last refuge” or fallback option for misgovernment that is inexpensive or ineffective. The term “political experiment” implies that democracy is not a proven system but rather something still being tested and evaluated for its effectiveness.
Shaw seems to be suggesting that when all other forms of governance fail, we resort to democracy as a cheap and easy solution. This could be interpreted in two ways: either he believes democracy to be an inherently flawed system, prone to mismanagement and inefficiency; or he’s critiquing how those in power implement it, implying they do so in such a way as to maintain control at minimal cost.
In today’s world, this idea can be seen in the rise of populist movements globally. These movements often claim to represent ‘the people’ against an out-of-touch elite, promising simple solutions to complex problems – much like Shaw’s description of democracy as a last-ditch attempt at cheap governance.
On the flip side, one could argue that modern democracies are far from cheap – they require extensive infrastructure and bureaucracy which come at considerable cost. Yet these systems may still result in misgovernment if power becomes concentrated among a small group who use their position for personal gain rather than public good.
In terms of personal development, this quote might serve as a reminder not always opt for the easiest or cheapest solution – especially when managing others. It suggests the importance of investing time and resources into developing effective leadership skills and creating systems based on fairness and accountability rather than convenience or expediency.
