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Generally speaking, only simple conceptions can grip the mind of a nation. An idea that is clear and precise even though false will always have greater power in the world than an idea that is true but complex.
Alexis de Tocqueville
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Alexis de Tocqueville
Age: 53 †
Born: 1805
Born: July 29
Died: 1859
Died: April 16
Historian
Jurist
Philosopher
Politician
Sociologist
Writer
Paris
France
Alexis-Charles-Henri Clérel de Tocqueville
Tocqueville
Alexis-Charles-Henri Clerel de Tocqueville
Mind
Nations
Complexes
Always
Though
Complex
World
Simple
Speaking
Idea
False
True
Generally
Conceptions
Power
Nation
Grip
Ideas
Greater
Precise
Even
Clear
Conception
More quotes by Alexis de Tocqueville
In the United States, the majority undertakes to supply a multitude of ready-made opinions for the use of individuals, who are thus relieved from the necessity of forming opinions of their own.
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In towns it is impossible to prevent men from assembling, getting excited together and forming sudden passionate resolves. Towns are like great meeting houses with all the inhabitants as members. In them the people wield immense influence over their magistrates and often carry their desires into execution without intermediaries.
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All those who seek to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation ought to know that war is the surest and shortest means to accomplish it.
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I know of no country in which there is so little independence of mind and real freedom of discussion as in America.
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There is no country in the world where the Christian religion retains a greater influence over the souls of men than in America.
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A state of equality is perhaps less elevated, but it is more just and its justice constitutes its greatness and beauty.
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What is not yet done is only what we have not yet attempted to do.
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Amongst democratic nations, each new generation is a new people.
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Christianity has therefore retained a strong hold on the public mind in America... In the United States... Christianity itself is a fact so irresistibly established, that no one undertakes either to attack or to defend it.
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Town meetings are to liberty what primary schools are to science they bring it within the people's reach.
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All around you everything is on the move.
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Society was cut in two: those who had nothing united in common envy those who had anything united in common terror.
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In America the majority raises formidable barriers around the liberty of opinion within these barriers an author may write what he pleases, but woe to him if he goes beyond them.
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Remember that life is neither pain nor pleasure it is serious business, to be entered upon with courage and in a spirit of self-sacrifice.
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This so-called tolerance, which, in my opinion, is nothing but a huge indifference.
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The taste for well-being is the prominent and indelible feature of democratic times.
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The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.
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When the people rule, they must be rendered happy, or they will overturn the state.
Alexis de Tocqueville
Of all nations, those submit to civilization with the most difficulty which habitually live by the chase.
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In politics a community of hatred is almost always the foundation of friendships.
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