Democracy's premise rests on the notion that the collective wisdom of the majority will prove right more often than it's wrong; that given sufficient opportunity in the pursuit of happiness, your population will develop its talents, its intellect, its better judgment; that over time its capacity for discernment and self-correction will be enlarged.

Ben Fountain’s quote, "Democracy's premise rests on the notion that the collective wisdom of the majority will prove right more often than it's wrong; that given sufficient opportunity in the pursuit of happiness, your population will develop its talents, its intellect, its better judgment; that over time its capacity for discernment and self-correction will be enlarged," outlines the foundational beliefs of democracy. Fountain argues that the very essence of democratic governance is based on the idea that, over time, the collective decisions of the people will generally be wiser than not. He highlights the confidence in the majority to ultimately make decisions that will improve society, particularly when individuals are given the opportunity to thrive and make meaningful contributions.

The reference to the pursuit of happiness links the democratic system to the ideals set forth in foundational documents, such as the U.S. Declaration of Independence, which asserts the right to seek personal fulfillment and success. Fountain suggests that, in a democracy, people are allowed the freedom and resources to develop their talents and intellect, which in turn enhances the overall judgment and decision-making capabilities of the population. This growth and evolution, he proposes, lead to a more enlightened society.

Fountain’s statement also emphasizes the idea of self-correction, a key component of democracy. He believes that over time, a society governed by democratic principles will adapt, learn from its mistakes, and become more discerning in its choices. This belief in self-correction suggests that even when the majority errs, there is a built-in mechanism within the democratic system for addressing and rectifying mistakes. It’s this dynamic process that allows democracy to thrive and evolve.

The origin of this quote reflects Fountain’s understanding of democracy as a progressive system. His views align with the ideals of democratic theorists who believe that individuals and societies are capable of growing and improving through their engagement in democratic processes. Fountain’s perspective is an optimistic take on democracy, asserting that it is not a perfect system, but one that, given enough time and opportunity, has the potential to foster greater wisdom and justice.