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Every nation that has ended in tyranny has come to that end by way of good order. It certainly does not follow from this that peoples should scorn public peace, but neither should they be satisfied with that and nothing more. A nation that asks nothing of government but the maintenance of order is already a slave in the depths of its heart; it is a slave of its well-being, ready for the man who will put it in chains.
Alexis De Tocqueville
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Tyranny often arises in societies that prioritize order over liberty, suggesting that complacency can lead to oppression.

Alexis De Tocqueville warns that when a nation becomes overly focused on maintaining order and does not demand more from its government, it risks descending into tyranny. The quote emphasizes that mere public peace is inadequate; citizens should seek active participation and accountability from their leaders to prevent oppression and ensure true freedom.

Themes

TyrannyOrderFreedomParticipationOppression

In practice

Example use cases

During a lecture on government responsibility, this quote can highlight the importance of civic engagement.

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The aspect of American society is animated, because men and things are always changing; but it is monotonous, because all the changes are alike.
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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.
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Grant me thirty years of equal division of inheritances and a free press, and I will provide you with a republic.
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