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
Grant me thirty years of equal division of inheritances and a free press, and I will provide you with a republic.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of equitable distribution of wealth and freedom of the press for a successful republic.
Alexis De Tocqueville highlights two fundamental components necessary for the success of a republic: the fair distribution of inheritances to ensure economic equality and the existence of a free press to foster informed citizenry. Together, these elements can create a stable democratic society where power is not concentrated among a few, but rather shared among all citizens, promoting both accountability and participation in governance.
Themes
RepublicInheritanceFree PressEqualityDemocracy
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on political theory, you might quote this to illustrate the importance of equity in society.
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
When none but the wealthy had watches, they were almost all very good ones; few are now made which are worth much, but everybody has one in his pocket.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
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