Who said “Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.”?

Verified

Oscar Wilde. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceThe Soul of Man Under Socialism (1891)

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For academic work, cite the original where you can: The Soul of Man Under Socialism (1891).

APA

Wilde, O. (n.d.). Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13207-democracy-means-simply-the-bludgeoning-of-the-people/

MLA

Wilde, Oscar. “Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13207-democracy-means-simply-the-bludgeoning-of-the-people/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Wilde, Oscar. “Democracy means simply the bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13207-democracy-means-simply-the-bludgeoning-of-the-people/.

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