The power of the periodical press is second only to that of the people.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The press holds immense influence in a democracy, second only to the power of the people themselves.
- In plain terms
- Media is very powerful, only less than the people.
- What can you take from it?
- Support a free and responsible press.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much trust do you have in media?
- What makes journalism free?
Another view
Digital platforms have shifted this dynamic significantly since Tocqueville's time.
More from Alexis de Tocqueville
The New Englander is attached to his township because it is strong and independent; he has an interest in it because he shares in its management; he loves it b…
Permalink to quote #88 The principle of equality does not destroy the imagination, but lowers its flight to the level of the earth.
Permalink to quote #90 The most dangerous moment for a bad government is when it begins to reform.
Permalink to quote #87
Related quotes
Such as it is, the press has become the greatest power within the Western World, more powerful than the legislature, the executive and judiciary. One would lik…
Alexander SolzhenitsynAlexander Solzhenitsyn quote #63 I'm not going to have some reporters pawing through our papers. We are the president.
Hillary ClintonHillary Clinton quote #6 Television has made dictatorship impossible but democracy unbearable.
Shimon PeresShimon Peres quote #13