The aspect of American society is animated, because men and things are always changing; but it is monotonous, because all the changes are alike.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
As for me, I am deeply a democrat; this is why I am in no way a socialist. Democracy and socialism cannot go together. You can't have it both ways. Socialism is a new form of slavery.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Democracy and socialism are inherently incompatible, according to the author, who views socialism as a restrictive system.
Alexis De Tocqueville expresses a strong belief that democracy and socialism cannot coexist. He argues that while democracy embodies freedom and individual rights, socialism imposes constraints on personal liberty, characterizing socialism as a form of slavery that undermines the core values of a democratic society.
Themes
DemocracySocialismFreedomLibertyGovernment
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political debate to emphasize the differences between democratic and socialist ideologies.
More from Alexis De Tocqueville
All quotes →Democratic communities have a natural taste for freedom: left to themselves they will seek it, cherish it, and view any deprivation of it with regret. But for equality their passion is ardent, insatiable, incessant, invincible: they call for equality in freedom; and if they cannot obtain that, they still call for equality in slavery.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
Religion, which never intervenes directly in the government of American society, should therefore be considered as the first of their political institutions
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
The surface of American society is covered with a layer of democratic paint, but from time to time one can see the old aristocratic colours breaking through.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
Grant me thirty years of equal division of inheritances and a free press, and I will provide you with a republic.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
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