more on this theme     |     more from this thinker

Single Idea 22670

[filed under theme 25. Social Practice / A. Freedoms / 1. Slavery ]

Full Idea

Slavery dishonours labour; it introduces idleness into society, and with idleness, ignorance and pride, luxury and distress.

Gist of Idea

Slavery undermines the morals and energy of a society

Source

Alexis de Tocqueville (Democracy in America (abr Renshaw) [1840], 1.01)

Book Ref

Tocqueville,Alexis de: 'Democracy in America (abridged)', ed/tr. Renshaw,Patrick [Wordsworth 1998], p.15

A Reaction

A pretty feeble reason (in the 1830s) for disliking slavery. He seems only concerned with the adverse effects on the slave-owning society, and shows no interest in the slaves themselves.

The 15 ideas from 'Democracy in America (abr Renshaw)'

22669 Aristocracy is constituted by inherited landed property [Tocqueville]
22670 Slavery undermines the morals and energy of a society [Tocqueville]
22672 It is admirable to elevate the humble to the level of the great, but the opposite is depraved [Tocqueville]
22671 Equality can only be established by equal rights for all (or no rights for anyone) [Tocqueville]
22674 In Europe it is thought that local government is best handled centrally [Tocqueville]
22673 Wherever there is a small community, the association of the people is natural [Tocqueville]
22675 In American judges rule according to the Constitution, not the law [Tocqueville]
22678 An election, and its lead up time, are always a national crisis [Tocqueville]
22676 The people are just individuals, and only present themselves as united to foreigners [Tocqueville]
22679 Vast empires are bad for well-being and freedom, though they may promote glory [Tocqueville]
22680 People would be much happier and freer in small nations [Tocqueville]
22677 A monarchical family is always deeply concerned with the interests of the state [Tocqueville]
22681 The liberty of the press is more valuable for what it prevents than what it promotes [Tocqueville]
22682 Universal suffrage is no guarantee of wise choices [Tocqueville]
22683 Despots like to see their own regulations ignored, by themselves and their agents [Tocqueville]