"بی تفاوتی دشمن دموکراسی است"

When people just don’t care about what’s happening in their society, democracy starts to crumble. This quote is getting at the core idea that indifference can be as harmful as active opposition. If democracy is a system where everyone’s voice matters, then not using that voice—or not caring enough to use it—weakens the whole foundation.

So, why was this said? Throughout history, there have been many moments when people’s lack of involvement led to big problems. Think about the fall of the Roman Republic or more modern examples like low voter turnouts in critical elections. When we don’t participate, we basically hand over our power to whoever does. It’s like letting someone else decide the fate of your home while you’re out on vacation. They might take care of it—or they might trash the place, and you’re left dealing with the mess.

Here’s a vivid example: imagine a small town facing a big decision about a new factory that’s set to be built. The factory promises jobs, but it’ll also bring pollution. If most of the town’s residents don’t show up to the public meetings or vote on the issue because they assume their opinion won’t matter or they just don’t care, a small, vocal group who supports the factory will make the decision for everyone. The factory gets built, the water gets polluted, and now everyone in the town has to live with the consequences. The few who cared enough to get involved decided for the many who didn’t.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? It’s simple but powerful: get involved. Don’t let apathy take root in your community. Voting is the most obvious way, but it’s not just about elections. Join local community groups, attend town hall meetings, or even just stay informed on local issues. Sometimes it feels like your voice is just one in a million, but remember, those millions are made up of individual voices—including yours.

Let’s put this in a more relatable scenario. Think about your high school or college. There’s a student council meeting about whether to spend the budget on new gym equipment or new books for the library. You’re more of a bookworm, but you figure it’s just one meeting—you don’t go. Neither do most of the library lovers. The athletes, however, show up in full force. Guess where the money goes? Yep, new gym equipment. Now, every time you need a library resource, you’re reminded that you didn’t speak up when you had the chance.

In the end, it’s about caring enough to show up and make your voice heard. Democracy thrives on active participation. Without it, we’re just letting a small number of people steer the ship for everyone. So next time there’s a chance to get involved, think about what’s at stake and remember: your voice matters. It’s the collective power of our voices that keeps democracy alive and well.