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"It would seem that if despotism were to be established among the democratic nations of our days, it might assume a different character; it would be more extensive and more mild [than that of the Roman emperors; it would degrade men without tormenting them."

For De Tocqueville mild despotism and the tyranny of the majority constitute the two main dangers to democracy. The page deals with an interpretation of mild despotism. It is a situation in which there exists a flat, servile sameness, and society is ruled by a benevolent central state.

Democratic despotism is something entirely without historical parallel. It is more dangerous and more subtle than other forms of despotism. Its starting point is social atomisation. There is a great multitude of individuals, all disconnected from each other, all chasing their individual goals.

Above this group of people this is "an immense and tutelary power", which attempts to satisfy the every want of the people. But what is the problem with this? The problem for De Tocqueville is that it "renders the exercise of free agency of man less useful and less frequent". It "gradually robs the man of all the uses of himself. The idea of equality prepares men for this state of things, but it gradually robs them of the ability to act and exercise their agency.

Once the government has "successively taken each member of the community in its powerful grasp and fashioned them at will", it then moves onto extend its reach over the whole community. It introduces rules and regulations, which although fair and detailed, make it impossible for the original and energetic to overcome the masses and rise above the crowds. "The will of man is not shattered, but softened, bent and guided". One is not required to act, but is restrained from acting. The atmosphere is not wholly oppressive or evil - it is just stultifying in its equality and has the effect of stupefying individuals who may act.

In the end, under "mild despotism", man is reduced to "nothing better than a flock of timid and industrious animals, of which the government is the shepherd".

We may be happy with this despotism because it is legitimate - it is seen as the will of the people. We think that by compromising we have done enough to protect the will of the people.

References

Democracy in America - Volume II, Book 4, Chapter VI - "What Sort of Despotism Democratic Nations Have to Fear".

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