# Quote — Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America

> Nothing seems at first sight less important than the outward form of human actions, yet there is nothing upon which men set more store: they grow used to everything except to living in a society which has not their own manners.

- 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/nothing-seems-at-first

## 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)