Opiniated Opinions and Democracy

I wish to inquire into an ancient theme, that of the microfoundation of a democratic society, the exemplary constitution of the democratic, rather than of Adorno’s authoritarian, personality. I realize that the formation of that sort of personality is like happiness in that it normally eludes a direct quest. But presumably it is not harmful, and may in special circumstances be useful, to have some idea about the human type one would wish to foster in a democracy.

I start with a recollection from childhood or early adolescence. It goes back to Berlin, the city where I spent the first eighteen years of my life, from 1915 to 1933, when I left for Paris. I must have been perhaps twelve or thirteen years old, so it took place som...