Alexis de Tocqueville Quote

"Democracy extends the sphere of individual freedom, socialism restricts it.
Democracy attaches all possible value to each man;
socialism makes each man a mere agent, a mere number.
Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word: equality.
But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty,
socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude."

by:	Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) French historian
Rating:
Categories:	Collectivist, Democracy, Diversity, Equality, French, Servitude, Socialism
	Tweet

Our Republic became a democracy, and has deteriorated to a congressional tyrany. Term limits would be a giant step toward our return to a Republic.  -- Joel, Rochester, MI
De Tocqueville was an idiot. All the quotes i've seen of his seem to show someone who just doesn't understand socialism. It threatened his way of life so he chose to condemn it and those who believe in it not on ideological grounds, or by illuminating any dialectic inconsistencies but by flinging infantile insults. This quote for example shows the extent of his shalow understanding. He tries to critisice socialism by comparing it to democracy which is a contradition because theoreticaly socialism is itself an extream form of democracy. What he is actualy doing is comparing his stunted understanding of socialism with westurn liberal capitalist, elitist democracy. But putting that in the quote wouldn't sound as good would it?  -- Matthew Jewell, Salford, UK
And this country and the UK are now ruled by socialists who, despite their idiocies, have not progressed beyond the limits imposed by their kindergarten political understanding - except for the schoolground ethic that 'might is right.'  -- john-douglas, nassau
Matt, just because he shows the bad side of socialism, does not make him an idiot. You're just mad that he dislikes your political idiology, so you insult him.  -- Yndrd1984, Ames, IA
If only he were correct. He isn't, however. Democracy and socialism are very much compatible. Democracy is only a method of choosing leaders, it doesn't pertain to the quality of those elected officials.  -- Devon, Edmonton, AB
Get ready, ladies and gentlemen, for you are about to have your freedoms restrained with the policies of the Obama administration. Never in my life have i witnessed us descending into socialism as i witness it now. And how is the "forced equality" paid for? Who picks up the bill for national health care, redistribution of wealth, or for those on the dole. You know whose backs its gonna fall on? THE WORKING CLASS. Congrats, you've now got equality! equality in restraint and servitude. YOU'RE NOW OWNED. And while i'm at it, two days ago--Feb 5, 2009, our "illustrious" new president released the mastermind of the USS Cole bombing. Russia is friendly with Chavez and Castro 2, and China is involved, though discreetly. Good luck, comrades. The country we knew is coming to an end. Kiss the last bit of freedoms goodbye. "CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN?" Get real.  -- Bill, Chicago
Democracy and socialism are the tyranny of the majority and the elite rulers. It speaks in terms of slaves and masters. Nothing worse than being a minority when the majority is greedy. America is going down the welfare-warfare path of destruction. Greed of the masses. Greed for power and control with the elite.  -- Classical Liberal, MN

Tweet  Rate this quote! How many stars? 0 1 2 3 4 5	What do YOU think?
Your name:	Your town:     CLICK JUST ONCE!

Get a Quote-A-Day! Free!
Liberty Quotes sent to your mail box.
Email: