Believe Quote by Alexis de Tocqueville
“The foremost or indeed sole condition required in order to succeed in centralizing the supreme power in a democratic community is to love equality or to get men to believe you love it. Thus, the science of despotism, which was once so complex, has been simplified and reduced, as it were, to a single principle.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Democracy in America, Volume I, 1835
Success in centralizing power in a democracy hinges on convincing people you love equality, turning complex despotism into a single principle.
In simple terms: Power is gained by pretending to love equality.
Key Takeaway
Earn trust by championing equality.
Themes
politics
power
democracy
manipulation
Mood
cautious
analytical
critical
Type
political
strategic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- campaign strategy
- public policy
- leadership training
- grassroots organizing
Key Concepts
social contract
legitimacy
authoritarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you authentically demonstrate commitment to equality?
- What are the risks of feigning equality?
A Different Perspective
If equality is insincere, the strategy can backfire and cause resistance.
