What this quote means

Abdurrahman Wahid, former Indonesian president, reminds us that democracy is not an end in itself, but a tool to improve living conditions. This pragmatic perspective avoids sanctifying the political system and places it at the service of citizens. It resonates in current debates where means and ends are sometimes confused. Wahid invites us to evaluate political institutions by their ability to produce concrete well-being for the population.

How to apply it daily

In a political discussion, refocus the conversation on the concrete impact of policies on people's lives, rather than on ideologies.