What did John Dewey mean by democracy as a way of life?

For John Dewey, democracy is far more than a mere form of government; it is a "mode of associated life" and an active, ongoing process of social planning and collective action.12

Dewey’s concept of "democracy as a way of life" involves several core principles:

• Social Intelligence: Democracy functions as a consciously collaborative process where individuals use "social intelligence"—critical inquiry and experimental problem-solving—to address common challenges.12
• Mutual Respect and Cooperation: It requires citizens to treat one another with respect and goodwill, fostering an environment where people exchange ideas and cooperate to pursue the common good.12
• Experimentalism: Unlike rigid ideologies, democratic norms are fallible and experimental. Institutions should not be viewed as unchangeable, but as structures subject to constant criticism and improvement based on changing public interests.12
• Individual Growth: Democracy provides the essential freedoms necessary for self-development, allowing individuals to pursue their own conceptions of a good life.2

Because these habits of mind must be cultivated, Dewey emphasized education as the foundation of a democratic society, famously referring to public schools as the "church of democracy".2