Alexis de Tocqueville, [Alexis Charles Henri Maurice Clerel, le Comte de Tocqueville] (1805-1859) French historian Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page [31-40] of 40 Alexis de Tocqueville quotesAlexis de Tocqueville QuotesAlexis de Tocqueville Previous 30 quotes All those who seek to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation ought to know that war is the surest and shortest means to accomplish it.~ Alexis de Tocqueville In towns it is impossible to prevent men from assembling, getting excited together and forming sudden passionate resolves. Towns are like great meeting houses with all the inhabitants as members. In them the people wield immense influence over their magistrates and often carry their desires into execution without intermediaries.~ Alexis de Tocqueville I know of no country in which there is so little independence of mind and real freedom of discussion as in America.~ Alexis de Tocqueville There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle.~ Alexis de Tocqueville Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word: equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude.~ Alexis de Tocqueville Democracy extends the sphere of individual freedom, socialism restricts it. Democracy attaches all possible value to each man; socialism makes each man a mere agent, a mere number. Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word: equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude.~ Alexis de Tocqueville I am far from denying that newspapers in democratic countries lead citizens to do very ill-considered things in common; but without newspapers there would be hardly any common action at all. So they mend many more ills than they cause.~ Alexis de Tocqueville Americans of all ages, all stations of life, and all types of disposition are forever forming associations...In democratic countries knowledge of how to combine is the mother of all other forms of knowledge; on its progress depends that of all the others.~ Alexis de Tocqueville In America, more than anywhere else in the world, care has been taken constantly to trace clearly distinct spheres of action for the two sexes, and both are required to keep in step, but along paths that are never the same.~ Alexis de Tocqueville There is hardly a congressman prepared to go home until he has at least one speech printed and sent to his constituents, and he won't let anybody interrupt his harangue until he has made all his useful suggestions about the 24 states of the Union, and especially the district he represents.~ Alexis de Tocqueville Previous 30 quotes Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print