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
I am far from denying that newspapers in democratic countries lead citizens to do very ill-considered things in common; but without newspapers there would be hardly any common action at all. So they mend many more ills than they cause.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the crucial role of newspapers in fostering collective action in democratic societies, despite their potential to lead to poor decisions.
Alexis De Tocqueville emphasizes the importance of newspapers in democracies by acknowledging that while they can sometimes lead to misguided actions, their overall benefit in promoting common discourse and action among citizens is invaluable. He suggests that without the existence of newspapers, citizens would struggle to engage in shared endeavors, thus highlighting the media's pivotal role in facilitating democratic engagement and public participation.
Themes
DemocracyNewspapersMediaCollective ActionPublic Discourse
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on media's influence, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of newspapers in democracy.
More from Alexis De Tocqueville
All quotes βDemocratic 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.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
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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