more on this theme     |     more from this thinker

Single Idea 22676

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / A. Basis of a State / 1. A People / c. A unified people ]

Full Idea

The people in themselves are only individuals; and the special reason why they need to be united under one government is that they may appear to advantage before foreigners.

Gist of Idea

The people are just individuals, and only present themselves as united to foreigners

Source

Alexis de Tocqueville (Democracy in America (abr Renshaw) [1840], 1.07)

Book Ref

Tocqueville,Alexis de: 'Democracy in America (abridged)', ed/tr. Renshaw,Patrick [Wordsworth 1998], p.53

A Reaction

I take this to be an observation on 1830s America, rather than a universal truth. It fits modern western societies rather well though.

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]