In the United States, the majority undertakes to supply a multitude of ready-made opinions for the use of individuals, who are thus relieved from the necessity of forming opinions of their own.

Quote by Alexis De Tocqueville

Topics: Alexis De Tocqueville Quotes

The power of the periodical press is second only to that of the people.

The power of the periodical press is second only to that of the people.

I know of no country in which there is so little independence of mind and...

I know of no country in which there is so little independence of mind and...

Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference:...

Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference:...

No protracted war can fail to endanger the freedom of a democratic country.

No protracted war can fail to endanger the freedom of a democratic country.

Life is to entered upon with courage.

Life is to entered upon with courage.

There is hardly a political question in the United States which does not sooner or...

There is hardly a political question in the United States which does not sooner or...

The great advantage of the American is that he has arrived at a state of...

The great advantage of the American is that he has arrived at a state of...

The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die...

The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die...

As one digs deeper into the national character of the Americans, one sees that they...

As one digs deeper into the national character of the Americans, one sees that they...

Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith.

Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith.

Those that despise people will never get the best out of others and themselves.

Those that despise people will never get the best out of others and themselves.

The most dangerous moment for a bad government is when it begins to reform.

The most dangerous moment for a bad government is when it begins to reform.

The surface of American society is covered with a layer of democratic paint, but from...

The surface of American society is covered with a layer of democratic paint, but from...

When the past no longer illuminates the future, the spirit walks in darkness.

When the past no longer illuminates the future, the spirit walks in darkness.

In politics shared hatreds are almost always the basis of friendships.

In politics shared hatreds are almost always the basis of friendships.

Americans are so enamored of equality that they would rather be equal in slavery than...

Americans are so enamored of equality that they would rather be equal in slavery than...

In a revolution, as in a novel, the most difficult part to invent is the...

In a revolution, as in a novel, the most difficult part to invent is the...

I cannot help fearing that men may reach a point where they look on every...

I cannot help fearing that men may reach a point where they look on every...

The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but...

The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but...

An American cannot converse, but he can discuss, and his talk falls into a dissertation....

An American cannot converse, but he can discuss, and his talk falls into a dissertation....