Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy Quotes

A collection of quotes by Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy.

Alexis de Tocqueville was a prominent French political thinker, philosopher, and writer, best known for his work "Democracy in America." Born on July 29, 1805, in Paris, France, Tocqueville came from an aristocratic family and began his career as a young magistrate. In 1831, he embarked on a nine-month journey to the United States to study its democratic system. This trip laid the foundation for his most famous work, which remains a seminal text in the fields of political science and sociology.

"Democracy in America" analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of democracy and explores the potential dangers of majority rule. Tocqueville observed America's unique cultural and political atmosphere, emphasizing its individualism, political participation, and voluntary associations. He also expressed concerns about the tyranny of the majority, potential despotism, and the loss of individual liberty that could arise in a democratic society.

Tocqueville's work extends beyond understanding American democracy. He also examined the French political landscape. His book "The Old Regime and the Revolution" scrutinizes the causes of the French Revolution and reflects on the relationship between aristocracy and democracy. Tocqueville provided deep insights into social and political dynamics, highlighting the importance of civil society and intermediary institutions.

Throughout his life, Alexis de Tocqueville remained an influential figure due to his insightful and profound analysis of democracy, politics, and society. His works continue to shape the understanding of democratic systems and the challenges they face. Tocqueville passed away on April 16, 1859, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the realm of political theory and social analysis.

The territorial aristocracy of former ages was either bound by law, or thought itself bound by usage, to come to the relief of its serving-men and to relieve their distress. But the manufacturing aristocracy of our age first impoverishes and debases the men who serve it and then abandons them to be supported by the charity of the public. This is a natural consequence of what has been said before. Between the workman and the master there are frequent relations, but no real association.I am of the opinion, on the whole, that the manufacturing aristocracy which is growing up under our eyes is one of the harshest that ever existed in the world; but at the same time it is one of the most confined and least dangerous. Nevertheless, the friends of democracy should keep their eyes anxiously fixed in this direction; for if ever a permanent inequality of conditions and aristocracy again penetrates into the world, it may be predicted that this is the gate by which they will enter.http://xroads.virginia.edu/~HYPER/DETOC/ch2_20.htm

Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy

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