Alexis De Tocqueville

A French political philosopher and politician, Alexis de Tocqueville's works are now considered early examples of sociology and political science.

They include many of his famous insights, such as "Nothing is more wonderful than the art of being free, but nothing is harder to learn how to use than freedom." and "There are two things which a democratic people will always find very difficult - to begin a war and to end it."

A carefully selected collection that contains 100 of Tocqueville"s most celebrated quotes, this book will delight those interested in the musings of one of the most notable French political philosophers.

Alexis de Tocqueville, (1805 - 1859) was a French political philosopher, historian, and politician, best known for writing 'Democracy in America" (1835-40) and 'The Old Regime and the Revolution" (1856). Both works explored the effects of improving social conditions on the individual and the state in western society, and are now considered early examples of sociology and political science.

Tocqueville was named Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour) in 1837, and in 1838 was elected to the Académie des Sciences Morales et Politiques. In 1841, he was elected to the Académie Française.

Alexis de Tocqueville, a young French aristocrat, captured the essence of nineteenth-century America in his penetrating work, Democracy in America. The democratic concept of equality was emerging as a political reality in America, and it threatened the aristocracy of Europe; it produced a society of individualists hungry for self improvement. In this classic treatise, Tocqueville weighed the advantages of democracy against its dangers. He asked: Is the tendency toward equality a tendency toward liberty? Can the majority be restrained to protect the freedom of individuals and minorities?In pondering these questions, Tocqueville presented an unsurpassed picture of American government, culture, and attitudes. He proclaimed a new nation with a new theory of human interaction: America, ruled by the will of the majority.The Giants of Political Thought Series offers an easy and entertaining way to broaden your mind and your awareness of great ideas.