Democracy does not give the people the most skillful government, but it produces what the ablest governments are frequently unable to create: namely, an all-pervading and restless activity, a superabundant force, and an energy which is inseparable from it and which may, however unfavorable circumstances may be, produce wonders.

Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) French writer, diplomat, politician
Democracy in America, 1.14 (1835) [tr. Reeve and Bowen (1862)]

 
Added on 21-Aug-09 | Last updated 3-Nov-20
Link to this post | 1 comment
Topics: , ,
More quotes by Tocqueville, Alexis de

1 thought on “<i>Democracy in America,</i> 1.14 (1835) [tr. Reeve and Bowen (1862)]”

  1. Pingback: Quotations on an Election Day - ***Dave Does the Blog

Thoughts? Comments? Corrections? Feedback?