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Single Idea 22683

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / c. Despotism ]

Full Idea

In despotic states the sovereign is so much attached to his power that he dislikes the constraints even of his own regulations, and likes to see his agents acting irregularly.

Gist of Idea

Despots like to see their own regulations ignored, by themselves and their agents

Source

Alexis de Tocqueville (Democracy in America (abr Renshaw) [1840], 1.11)

Book Ref

Tocqueville,Alexis de: 'Democracy in America (abridged)', ed/tr. Renshaw,Patrick [Wordsworth 1998], p.85

A Reaction

A nice observation. What would Machiavelli say? At least the citizens can see where the real power resides.

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]