Because Roman civilization perished through barbarian invasions, we are perhaps too much inclined to think that that is the only way a civilization can die. If the lights that guide us ever go out, they will fade little by little, as if of their own accord.... We therefore should not console ourselves by thinking that the barbarians are still a long way off. Some peoples may let the torch be snatched from their hands, but others stamp it out themselves.
Alexis de TocquevilleThis so-called tolerance, which, in my opinion, is nothing but a huge indifference.
Alexis de TocquevilleUpon my arrival in the United States the religious aspect of the country was the first thing that struck my attention; and the longer I stayed there, the more I perceived the great political consequences resulting from this new state of things. In France, I had almost always seen the spirit of religion and the spirit of freedom marching in opposite directions. But in America I found they were intimately united and that they reigned in common over the same country.
Alexis de TocquevilleMen will not receive the truth from their enemies, and it is seldom offered to them by their friends.
Alexis de TocquevilleThere are two things which a democratic people will always find very difficult - to begin a war and to end it.
Alexis de Tocqueville