Alexis de Tocqueville Quotes about Democracy

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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.

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 Tocqueville

Political, Democracy, Aristocracy

Alexis de Tocqueville (1990). “Democracy in America”

The will of the nation is one of those phrases most widely abused by schemers and tyrants of all ages.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Tyrants, Democracy, Age

The progress of democracy seems irresistible, because it is the most uniform, the most ancient and the most permanent tendency which is to be found in history.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Democracy, Progress, Uniforms

Alexis De Tocqueville (2015). “Democracy in America: Book One”, p.30, eKitap Projesi

No men are less addicted to reverie than the citizens of a democracy.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Men, Democracy, Citizens

Alexis De Tocqueville (2004). “Democracy in America: The Complete and Unabridged Volumes I and II”, p.500, Bantam Classics

One of the distinguishing characteristics of a democratic period is the taste that all men have for easy success and present enjoyment. This occurs in the pursuits of the intellect as well as in others.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Men, Democracy, Taste

Alexis de Tocqueville (1840). “Democracy in America: Part the Second: The Social Influence of Democracy”, p.16

Can it be believed that the democracy, which has overthrown the feudal system and vanquished kings, will retreat before tradesmen and capitalists?

Alexis de Tocqueville

Kings, Democracy, Feudal System

"Democracy in America".

The genius of democracies is seen not only in the great number of new words introduced but even more in the new ideas they express.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Ideas, Numbers, Democracy

Alexis de Tocqueville (1990). “Democracy in America”

Despotism may be able to do without religion, but democracy cannot.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Christian, Religious, Democracy

Town meetings are to liberty what primary schools are to science; they bring it within the people's reach.

Alexis de Tocqueville

School, People, Democracy

Alexis De Tocqueville (2009). “Democracy in America: Volumes I & II”, p.127, The Floating Press

Better use has been made of association and this powerful instrument of action has been applied for more varied aims in America than anywhere else in the world.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Powerful, America, Democracy

Alexis de Tocqueville (1990). “Democracy in America”

In democracies, nothing is more great or more brilliant than commerce: it attracts the attention of the public, and fills the imagination of the multitude; all energetic passions are directed towards it.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Passion, Imagination, Democracy

Alexis de Tocqueville (1847). “Democracy in America”

Democratic nations care but little for what has been, but they are haunted by visions of what will be.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Vision, Democracy, Care

Democracy in America vol. 2, sec. 1, ch. 17 (1840) (translation by Henry Reeve)

What chiefly diverts the men of democracies from lofty ambition is not the scantiness of their fortunes, but the vehemence of the exertions they daily make to improve them.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Ambition, Men, Democracy

Alexis De Tocqueville (2004). “Democracy in America: The Complete and Unabridged Volumes I and II”, p.528, Bantam Classics

In democratic centuries, on the contrary, when the duties of each individual toward the species are much clearer, devotion toward one man becomes rarer: the bond of human affections is extended and loosened.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Men, Democracy, Affection

Alexis de Tocqueville (2012). “Democracy in America”, p.483, University of Chicago Press