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
As for me, I am deeply a democrat; this is why I am in no way a socialist. Democracy and socialism cannot go together. You can't have it both ways. Socialism is a new form of slavery.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Democracy and socialism are inherently incompatible, according to the author, who views socialism as a restrictive system.
Alexis De Tocqueville expresses a strong belief that democracy and socialism cannot coexist. He argues that while democracy embodies freedom and individual rights, socialism imposes constraints on personal liberty, characterizing socialism as a form of slavery that undermines the core values of a democratic society.
Themes
DemocracySocialismFreedomLibertyGovernment
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a political debate to emphasize the differences between democratic and socialist ideologies.
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.
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Religion, which never intervenes directly in the government of American society, should therefore be considered as the first of their political institutions
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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.
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The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
Grant me thirty years of equal division of inheritances and a free press, and I will provide you with a republic.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
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