When an opinion has taken root in a democracy and established itself in the minds of the majority, if afterward persists by itself, needing no effort to maintain it since no one attacks it. Those who at first rejected it as false come in the end to adopt it as accepted, and even those who still at the bottom of their hearts oppose it keep their views to themselves, taking great care to avoid a dangerous and futile contest.
More Quotes from Alexis Tocqueville:
In democratic ages men rarely sacrifice themselves for another, but they show a general compassion for all the human race. One never sees them inflict pointless suffering, and they are glad to relieve the sorrows of others when they can do so without much trouble to themselves. They are not disinterested, but they are gentle.Alexis Tocqueville
In countries where associations are free, secret societies are unknown. In America there are factions, but no conspiracies.
Alexis Tocqueville
Two things in America are astonishing the changeableness of most human behavior and the strange stability of certain principles. Men are constantly on the move, but the spirit of humanity seems almost unmoved.
Alexis Tocqueville
Countries, therefore, when lawmaking falls exclusively to the lot of the poor cannot hope for much economy in public expenditure expenses will always be considerable, either because taxes cannot touch those who vote for them or because they are asse
Alexis Tocqueville
There are two things which will always be very difficult for a democratic nation to start a war and to end it.
Alexis Tocqueville
America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.
Alexis Tocqueville
Readers Who Like This Quotation Also Like:
Based on Topics: Danger & Risk Quotes, Democracy Quotes, Majority & Minority Quotes, Mind Quotes, Opinions QuotesNo one has a greater asset for his business than a man's pride in his work.
Hosea Ballou
God himself has no right to be a tyrant.
William Godwin
I had some money, I made the best paintings ever. I was completely reclusive, worked a lot, took a lot of drugs. I was awful to people.
Jean-Michel Basquiat