The values of democracy and modern times

A mechanism with broken parts cannot function perfectly. Likewise, an ideal

society cannot be achieved as long as its members are corrupt. Different forms of
government have been tried out in order to create a balanced society, but neither
seems to have been the answer, not even democracy. At this point of history, I
genuinely believe there is no authentic democracy. Democracy can be considered
an optimal system of government, but solely on the premises that, from top to
bottom, every man is responsible for the other members, as well as for the
whole.
Unfortunately, some fundamental democratic principles are being contradicted
by mans actions. We live in a biased world. Generous though nature might have
been to(?) mankind, in our society, the rich represent a minority and the poor, a
majority. Moreover, there is a grotesque contrast between the ostentatious way in
which some live their life and the horrid conditions others have to face, the
difficulties they need to surpass in order to make it through the day. Poverty, by
its very nature, is humiliating and thus contravenes with every mans right to
dignity, stated in the constitution and absolutely necessary for a healthy society.
Yet, too little is being done about this. That is why, while democracy is not
necessarily the problem, neither is it the solution.
Therefore, democracy does not ensure every mans well being. Indeed, it wages a
never-ending war against dictatorship and the violation of law, but does not solve
the root of the problem: mans inclination towards being a wolf to his fellow man,
as the famous phrase states (Homo homini lupus est). One should acknowledge
that individual freedom stops where another ones freedom begins, this limitation
being mandatory for human cohabitation to take place. It is regrettable that,
when one thinks about democracy, the emphasis is put on ones rights but not on
ones moral responsibilities, which are all the more important in this matter.
These having been said, I consider that, in order for democracy to function
properly, it must be more than a governing system: it should represent a way of
life, with a set of ethical principles deeply impregnated into every mans being.
The human factor has always been and always will be at the centre of this matter.
Hence, that is where the change should start from. No legislation will do this. It is
people our society should invest in.