Quote by Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy

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

The territorial aristocracy of former ages was either bound

Summary

In this quote, author Alexis de Tocqueville criticizes the manufacturing aristocracy of his time, arguing that unlike the territorial aristocracy of the past, this new class takes advantage of and exploits its workers, contributing to their impoverishment and then leaving them to rely on public charity. Although he believes this emerging manufacturing aristocracy is harsh and oppressive, he also states that it is relatively confined and less threatening. However, de Tocqueville cautions that proponents of democracy must remain vigilant, as if a permanent social inequality and aristocracy were to reemerge, the manufacturing aristocracy would likely be the pathway for its ascent.

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By Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy

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