Alexis de Tocqueville Quotes

Most popular Alexis de Tocqueville Quotes

The power of the periodical press is second only to that of the people. - Alexis de Tocqueville quote.
The power of the periodical press is second only to that of the people.
— Alexis de Tocqueville

journalism

In a revolution, as in a novel, the most difficult part to invent is the end. - Alexis de Tocqueville quote.
In a revolution, as in a novel, the most difficult part to invent is the end.
— Alexis de Tocqueville Recollections

revolution

History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies. - Alexis de Tocqueville quote.
History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies.
— Alexis de Tocqueville The Old Regime and the Revolution

history

There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle. - Alexis de Tocqueville quote.
There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle.
— Alexis de Tocqueville

politics Democrats and Republicans

As the past has ceased to throw its light upon the future, the mind of man wanders in obscurity. - Alexis de Tocqueville quote.
As the past has ceased to throw its light upon the future, the mind of man wanders in obscurity.
— Alexis de Tocqueville Democracy in America

the past

Americans rightly think their patriotism is a sort of religion strengthened by practical service. - Alexis de Tocqueville quote.
Americans rightly think their patriotism is a sort of religion strengthened by practical service.
— Alexis de Tocqueville Democracy in America

religion patriotism

The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens. - Alexis de Tocqueville quote.
The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.
— Alexis de Tocqueville

democracy

The real cause, the effective one, that makes men lose power is that they have become unworthy to exercise it. - Alexis de Tocqueville quote.
The real cause, the effective one, that makes men lose power is that they have become unworthy to exercise it.
— Alexis de Tocqueville Recollections: The French Revolution of 1848

power

America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great. - Alexis de Tocqueville quote.
America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.
— Alexis de Tocqueville

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 quote.
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 democracy

We succeed in enterprises which demand the positive qualities we possess, but we excel in those which can also make use of our defects. - Alexis de Tocqueville quote.
We succeed in enterprises which demand the positive qualities we possess, but we excel in those which can also make use of our defects.
— Alexis de Tocqueville

business

The surface of American society is covered with a layer of democratic paint, but from time to time one can see the old aristocratic colors breaking through. - Alexis de Tocqueville quote.
The surface of American society is covered with a layer of democratic paint, but from time to time one can see the old aristocratic colors breaking through.
— Alexis de Tocqueville Democracy in America

America

If I were asked to what the singular prosperity and growing strength of the Americans ought mainly to be attributed, I should reply: to the superiority of their women. - Alexis de Tocqueville quote.
If I were asked to what the singular prosperity and growing strength of the Americans ought mainly to be attributed, I should reply: to the superiority of their women.
— Alexis de Tocqueville

women

What is most important for democracy is not that great fortunes should not exist, but that great fortunes should not remain in the same hands. In that way they do not form a class. - Alexis de Tocqueville quote.
What is most important for democracy is not that great fortunes should not exist, but that great fortunes should not remain in the same hands. In that way they do not form a class.
— Alexis de Tocqueville

wealth

What do men need in order to remain free?  A taste for freedom.  Do not ask me to analyze that sublime taste; it can only be felt.  It has a place in every heart which God has prepared to receive it; it fills and inflames it. - Alexis de Tocqueville quote.
What do men need in order to remain free?  A taste for freedom.  Do not ask me to analyze that sublime taste; it can only be felt.  It has a place in every heart which God has prepared to receive it; it fills and inflames it.
— Alexis de Tocqueville The Old Regime and the Revolution

freedom