“From
the time when the exercise of the intellect became a source of strength
and of wealth, we see that every addition to science, every fresh
truth, and every new idea became a germ of power placed within the reach
of the people. Poetry, eloquence, and memory, the graces of the mind,
the fire of imagination, depth of thought, and all the gifts which
Heaven scatters at a venture turned to the advantage of democracy; and
even when they were in the possession of its adversaries, they still
served its cause by throwing into bold relief the natural greatness of
man. Its conquests spread, therefore, with those of civilization and
knowledge; and literature became an arsenal open to all, where the poor
and the weak daily resorted for arms.”
from DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA (1835)
- Alexis de Tocqueville, born 29 July 1805.
French political thinker and historian best known for his highly
influential Democracy in America (appearing in two volumes: 1835 and
1840), published after his travels in the United States.
from DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA (1835)
- Alexis de Tocqueville, born 29 July 1805.
French political thinker and historian best known for his highly influential Democracy in America (appearing in two volumes: 1835 and 1840), published after his travels in the United States.
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