# Quote — Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America

> I once met an American sailor and asked him why his country's ships are made so that they will not last long. He answered offhand that the art of navigation was making such quick progress that even the best of boats would be almost useless if it lasted more than a few years.

- Author: [Alexis de Tocqueville](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville.md)
- Book: [Democracy in America](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america.md)
- Source: [Wikiquote](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Alexis_de_Tocqueville#Democracy_in_America,_Volume_II_(1840)) ([CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/))
- Quote page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america/i-once-met

## More from this book

> Translation: In order to enjoy the inestimable benefits that the liberty of the press ensures, it is necessary to submit to the inevitable evils it creates.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america/translation-in-order.md)

> They (the emperors) frequently abused their power arbitrarily to deprive their subjects of property or of life: their tyranny was extremely onerous to the few, but it did not reach the greater number; .. But it would seem that if despotism were to be established amongst the democratic nations of our days it might assume a different character; it would be more extensive and more mild, it would degrade men without tormenting them.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america/they-the-emperors.md)

> All those who seek to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation ought to know that war is the surest and shortest means to accomplish it.

[Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/alexis-de-tocqueville/democracy-in-america/all-those-who.md)