I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.

This quote is saying that the speaker believes in the idea of a society that is both democratic and free, where everyone is equal and living harmoniously together. The speaker hopes to be able to live in such a society, and make it a reality, but they are even willing to give their life to protect and fight for their ideal if necessary.