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
Rulers who destroy men's freedom commonly begin by trying to retain its forms. ... They cherish the illusion that they can combine the prerogatives of absolute power with the moral authority that comes from popular assent.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Authentic freedom cannot coexist with tyranny, despite superficial appearances.
Alexis De Tocqueville's quote reflects on the paradox of tyrannical rulers who aim to maintain the façade of freedom while simultaneously undermining it. He argues that these rulers convince themselves they can wield absolute power while gaining legitimacy through the illusion of popular support, deluding both themselves and the citizens.
Themes
FreedomTyrannyPowerAuthorityIllusion
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech on civil liberties to highlight the risks of authoritarian governance.
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.
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Religion, which never intervenes directly in the government of American society, should therefore be considered as the first of their political institutions
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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.
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The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing.
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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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