Recall Tocqueville

Author: Liu Xiaofeng / Chen Shaoming, Editors
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: I firmly believe that the political society is not a product of its laws but is determined from the very beginning by the emotions, beliefs, views, and mental habits of its members, which are shaped by nature and education. — Alexis de Tocqueville Tocqueville was not concerned with elucidating the nature of rule but with the kind of enlightenment that could awaken the citizen's soul. This is his true theme, his only theme: How can we prevent the degradation of the soul in an era of fate-chosen equality? In Tocqueville's and Rousseau's view, a person's identity is defined by his freedom. He can choose the upward path or the downward path. The reason for preventing him from choosing the easier path is precisely the reason we see in Tocqueville's work for many of his institutional proposals and considerations. These institutional proposals and considerations themselves are not important or outdated. What matters is that a person's awareness of the sublime and his sensitivity to greatness will not remain dormant. — Hannah Arendt Tocqueville frequently contrasts the old continent with the new continent reborn through the sea, comparing the declining aristocracy of the old continent with the vibrant democracy of the new continent. Tocqueville believed that geographical advantages were an important factor in establishing and maintaining American democracy, but he did not consider geography to be the most important factor. Among the three important factors that helped establish and maintain American democracy—mores (mores), legislation, and geographical factors—the most important is mores, followed by legislation, and geography is the least important. However, regarding the importance of geography in the establishment and maintenance of American democracy, Tocqueville's arguments seem unclear and even contradictory, at least insufficient. Because even in the aspects of law and mores, geography still plays a crucial role and influence. For example, in the context of law, after Tocqueville discussed the local self-government of towns and the political system of states in the United States, he finally addressed federalism, which he called the "cause" of American democratic politics.