English

Liberality and democracy today

Alexis de Tocqueville argues that aristocracies are better than the democratic nations in his work titled “Democracy in America.” He believes that people in the aristocratic nations have powerful ties with friends and are more family-oriented even as they occupy a lofty status in the economy. In contrast, Tocqueville points out that the democratic nations are filled with selfish, confused and ignorant individuals. The author’s angry and aggressive tone does not give the reader much of a choice in terms of democracy and aristocracy; instead, he persuades the reader to believe that aristocracy is the only appropriate and applicable form of government. Tocqueville’s narrowly-focused and biased assessment finally results in a flawed argument that fails to present tangible, credible proof that supports his claim; as a result, his essay demonstrates extremely prejudice, as well as poor judgment, and his overall argument about the dangers of democracy can not be accepted.

Tocqueville argues that in aristocratic nations families often remain for decades in the same conditions and often in the same social position, respectably those who come before and after them. Tocqueville states that, “Aristocratic institutions, moreover, have the effect of closely binding every man to several of his fellow citizens” (2). What the author is saying is that aristocrats have a close and affectionate relationship with their family members, friends, and other social groups. In addition, they are willing to give up any personal satisfaction to benefit others. Tocqueville’s purpose here is to offer the finer sensibilities of the aristocratic class and to prove that they are strongly rooted to the society in which they live. However, Tocqueville’s use of language is also absolutist and biased, especially his constant use of phrase like “every man” in his assessment. In other words, Tocqueville’s major flaw is his blind preference for the aristocracy and his...