Meaning: Irving Babbitt, an American literary critic and cultural critic, made this statement in his work "Democracy and Leadership" published in 1924. Babbitt was known for his critiques of modern society and his advocacy for a return to classical humanism and moral standards. This particular quote reflects his concern about the state of democracy and the values that underpin it.

Babbitt's assertion that most people are "purely expansive" implies that they are primarily focused on expansion, growth, and the accumulation of material wealth, rather than on the quality of their actions and the principles that guide them. In the context of democracy, this suggests that individuals are more preoccupied with the quantity of their rights, freedoms, and opportunities, rather than with the quality of their engagement in the democratic process and the ethical considerations that should accompany it.

Babbitt's critique of the modern approach to democracy aligns with his broader philosophical stance, which emphasized the importance of moral and intellectual development. He believed that a true democracy required citizens to cultivate virtues such as self-discipline, self-restraint, and a sense of duty to the community. In contrast, a purely expansive approach to democracy, in Babbitt's view, would lead to a shallow and selfish pursuit of individual interests, undermining the deeper principles of a well-functioning democratic society.

The quote also suggests that Babbitt saw a disconnect between the values of quantity and quality in contemporary society, particularly in relation to democracy. The emphasis on quantity can be interpreted as a focus on material gains, instant gratification, and a superficial understanding of freedom and rights, while the neglect of quality points to a lack of depth, reflection, and ethical consideration in the exercise of democratic principles.

Babbitt's concern about the prevalence of an expansive mindset in democracy is relevant to ongoing discussions about the nature of citizenship and civic engagement. In a world where consumerism, individualism, and short-term thinking often dominate public discourse, Babbitt's call for a reevaluation of priorities and a renewed emphasis on the quality of democratic participation remains thought-provoking.

In conclusion, Irving Babbitt's quote highlights his critique of the contemporary approach to democracy, emphasizing the need to prioritize the quality of democratic engagement over the mere expansion of rights and freedoms. His concerns about the prevalence of an expansive mindset and the neglect of ethical and moral considerations in democratic societies continue to resonate in discussions about the nature of citizenship and the challenges facing modern democracies.