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About this quote

What does it mean?
Political groups hold onto their specific language and framing long after other elements of their ideology fade.
In plain terms
Politicians keep using the same words even when their ideas change.
What can you take from it?
Watch language shifts to detect real ideological changes.

Where it applies

  • political debates
  • policy analysis
  • historical study

Putting it to work

  • track language use over time
  • question repeated slogans

Questions to consider

  • Why do groups keep using old terms?
  • Does language shape thought or reflect it?

Another view

Vocabulary can change quickly during crises or leadership shifts.

More from Alexis de Tocqueville

  1. The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing.

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  2. The main business of religions is to purify, control, and restrain that excessive and exclusive taste for well-being which men acquire in times of equality.

    Permalink to quote #85
  3. The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.

    Permalink to quote #82

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