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
Despotism often presents itself as the repairer of all the ills suffered, the support of just rights, defender of the oppressed, and founder of order.
Interpretation
Despotism disguises itself as a benevolent force, claiming to fix society's problems while suppressing freedom.
In this quote, Alexis De Tocqueville highlights the deceptive nature of despotism, which often masquerades as a savior of society. It claims to offer solutions to people's suffering and to uphold justice, yet in reality, it tends to undermine freedoms and impose authoritarian control, illustrating the dangerous allure of such regimes for those desperate for stability and order.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of democracy, one could use this quote to highlight the dangers of authoritarian rule.
The aspect of American society is animated, because men and things are always changing; but it is monotonous, because all the changes are alike.
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.
Religion, which never intervenes directly in the government of American society, should therefore be considered as the first of their political institutions
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 Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing.
Grant me thirty years of equal division of inheritances and a free press, and I will provide you with a republic.
On account of being a democracy and run by the people, we are the only nation in the world that has to keep a government four years, no matter what it does.
Senator McCarthy's reckless and unfounded attempt to impugn my loyalty is just one more example of his typical tactic of attempting to tie up to Communism anyone who disagrees with him.
By disgracing and degrading the presidency of the United States, by fleeing the White House like a diseased cur, Richard Nixon broke the heart of the American Dream.
Unfortunately, you've grown up hearing voices that incessantly warn of government as nothing more than some separate, sinister entity that's at the root of all our problems. Some of these same voices also do their best to gum up the works. They'll warn that tyranny is always lurking just around the corner. You should reject these voices.
I wanted us to go to the Tories when we were strong...not in misfortune to be made an honest woman of.
Elections exist for the sake of the House of Commons and not the House of Commons for the sake of elections.
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