Volume II, Book I, Chapter II: Of the Principal Source of Belief Among Democratic Nations
Alexis de Tocqueville
In the early 19th century, Tocqueville observed a paradox at the heart of democratic societies: the very freedom that allows diverse opinions also fosters a tyranny of the majority. Once an opinion becomes dominant, it becomes self-sustaining, as dissenters find it perilous to voice opposition. This critique came during a time when the ideal of democracy was ascendant, viewed widely as the culmination of political progress. Tocqueville's insight remains a cautionary reminder that a majority's consensus can subtly silence individual dissent.