Give common interests to men, join them in common affairs, facilitate their association, give a practical and simple character to this development, constantly draw them closer together, elevate their spirits and their hearts as much as possible. Govern them honestly and prudently. I can imagine making ourselves guardians to the communes if we want to emancipate them. That the government, if it wishes may treat the local powers like children, I allow; but not like fools. Only fools are kept under supervision throughout their lives.
-excerpt from a note quoted in James T. Schleifer. The Making of Tocqueville's Democracy in America. (217)
Saturday, June 18, 2011
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