Neither current events nor history show that the majority rule, or ever did rule.

The quote "Neither current events nor history show that the majority rule, or ever did rule," by Jefferson Davis, challenges the commonly held belief in democratic majority rule. Davis, the president of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War, argues that, contrary to popular belief, history does not support the idea that the majority of people actually govern or have true control over political decisions. Instead, he suggests that power has often been concentrated in the hands of a few, regardless of the majority's wishes or interests.

Davis’ statement reflects his political philosophy, particularly as it relates to the South’s fight for states' rights and the preservation of its way of life. He believed that the majority rule often resulted in the suppression of minority interests and values, particularly in the context of the North-South divide over issues like slavery and states' rights. His quote can be seen as a defense of the Southern belief in the autonomy of individual states, which were often in conflict with the more centralized power of the federal government.

The origin of this quote comes from Davis’ views during a period of intense political division in the United States. As the leader of the Confederacy, he was deeply opposed to the idea that the Union could dictate policies over the South. His words reflect the mindset of many in the South who believed that majority rule would always disadvantage them in a federal system where the Northern states held more population and economic power.

Ultimately, Davis' quote highlights his belief that true political power does not lie with the majority, but with the elite or those who hold the levers of control. His statement critiques the idealized notion of democracy and instead emphasizes the unequal distribution of power in history, particularly in the context of the American Civil War. This view challenges the traditional narrative of democracy and underscores the persistent tension between majority rule and the interests of the minority.