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Single Idea 22673
[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 1. A People / b. The natural life
]
Full Idea
The village or township is the only association which is so perfectly natural that, wherever a number of men are collected, it seems to constitute itself.
Gist of Idea
Wherever there is a small community, the association of the people is natural
Source
Alexis de Tocqueville (Democracy in America (abr Renshaw) [1840], 1.04)
Book Ref
Tocqueville,Alexis de: 'Democracy in America (abridged)', ed/tr. Renshaw,Patrick [Wordsworth 1998], p.35
A Reaction
Seems like a chicken and egg issue. I would have thought that association precedes the development of a village.
The
15 ideas
from Alexis de Tocqueville
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]
|