Alexis de Tocqueville Quotes

A collection of quotes by Alexis de Tocqueville.

Alexis de Tocqueville was a French political thinker, historian, and writer, known for his seminal work "Democracy in America." He was born on July 29, 1805, in Paris, France, into an aristocratic family. Tocqueville's parents were devoted liberals who encouraged his education and sparked his passion for political studies.

After completing law school, Tocqueville embarked on a trip to the United States with his friend Gustave de Beaumont, where they were sent by the French government to observe the American prison system. However, Tocqueville's observations extended far beyond prisons to the social and political dynamics of the young American democracy. Upon his return to France, he began writing "Democracy in America," a comprehensive analysis of American society, politics, and the unique nature of democracy.

Published in two volumes in 1835 and 1840, "Democracy in America" quickly gained international recognition for its profound insights into democratic systems. Tocqueville's work emphasized the importance of local governance, individualism, and civil associations in maintaining democratic institutions. He also highlighted the potential dangers of democratic tyranny and the "tyranny of the majority."

Beyond his magnum opus, Tocqueville continued his political engagement in France. He served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies and held various governmental positions. Tocqueville's writings, including works on the French Revolution and the rise of socialism, continue to be influential in political and philosophical circles.

Alexis de Tocqueville died on April 16, 1859, leaving behind a lasting legacy as an astute observer of democracy and its challenges. His work remains highly regarded as a source of insight and understanding into the complexities of democratic governance.

The principle of equality does not destroy the imagination,

The principle of equality does not destroy the imagination, but lowers its flight to the level of the earth.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Equality

Two things in America are astonishing: the changeableness of

Two things in America are astonishing: the changeableness of most human behavior and the strange stability of certain principles. Men are constantly on the move, but the spirit of humanity seems almost unmoved.

Alexis de Tocqueville

America

It is easy to see that, even in the freedom of early youth,

It is easy to see that, even in the freedom of early youth, an American girl never quite loses control of herself; she enjoys all permitted pleasures without losing her head about any of them, and her reason never lets the reins go, though it may often seem to let them flap.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Children

There is hardly a pioneer's hut which does not contain a few

There is hardly a pioneer's hut which does not contain a few odd volumes of Shakespeare. I remember reading the feudal drama of Henry V for the first time in a log cabin.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Education

In politics shared hatreds are almost always the basis of fr

In politics shared hatreds are almost always the basis of friendships.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Politics

The power of the periodical press is second only to that of

The power of the periodical press is second only to that of the people.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Power

I cannot help fearing that men may reach a point where they

I cannot help fearing that men may reach a point where they look on every new theory as a danger, every innovation as a toilsome trouble, every social advance as a first step toward revolution, and that they may absolutely refuse to move at all.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Men

Those that despise people will never get the best out of oth

Those that despise people will never get the best out of others and themselves.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Best

The main business of religions is to purify, control, and re

The main business of religions is to purify, control, and restrain that excessive and exclusive taste for well-being which men acquire in times of equality.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Business