The way people in democracies think of the government as something different from themselves is a real handicap. And, of course, sometimes the government confirms their opinion.

The quote "The way people in democracies think of the government as something different from themselves is a real handicap. And, of course, sometimes the government confirms their opinion." by Lewis Mumford highlights the disconnection between the citizens and their government in democratic societies. Mumford argues that when people perceive the government as separate or distinct from themselves, it fosters a sense of alienation and reduces their engagement or responsibility in the political process. This separation can lead to a lack of accountability, with people failing to recognize their own role in shaping the government or in holding it accountable.

Mumford’s statement also suggests that this separation is often reinforced by the government's actions, which may create a sense of distance or distrust by behaving in ways that are disconnected from the needs or desires of the people. When the government operates in a manner that seems unresponsive or indifferent to the citizens it governs, it further entrenches the idea that the government is an external, powerful force, rather than an entity created and controlled by the people themselves.

The origin of this quote lies in Mumford's critique of modern societies and their reliance on bureaucratic systems. As a social critic and historian, Mumford often explored the ways in which industrialization and technological progress have created barriers between individuals and their ability to influence or engage with societal structures, including government. He believed that the rise of large, impersonal systems in the modern world had led to a sense of disempowerment among citizens, making them feel as though they are separate from the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

In essence, Mumford’s quote is a warning against the dangers of viewing the government as an external authority rather than a reflection of the people’s collective will. He argues that for a democracy to truly function, citizens must see the government as part of themselves—something they are responsible for and engaged with—rather than something to be passively observed or criticized from a distance. The government's actions should reflect the needs and desires of the people, and citizens must recognize their own role in shaping it.