Full Idea
If none but small nations existed, I do not doubt that mankind would be more happy and more free.
Gist of Idea
People would be much happier and freer in small nations
Source
Alexis de Tocqueville (Democracy in America (abr Renshaw) [1840], 1.07)
A Reaction
In modern times many small states have appeared in Europe (in the Balkans and on the Baltic), and it looks to me a good thing. The prospect of Scottish independence may currently be looming, and De Tocqueville would approve.
Book Reference
Tocqueville,Alexis de: 'Democracy in America (abridged)', ed/tr. Renshaw,Patrick [Wordsworth 1998], p.70