Barbarism to Decadence

 "America is the only country that went from barbarism to decadence without civilization in between

In Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville warned that a society of individuals could become "atomized," with citizens growing isolated and politically disengaged. He feared this breakdown of community ties could make individuals vulnerable to the "tyranny of the majority" or a new form of "soft despotism" by a powerful, centralized state. 

Atomization and its causes

For Tocqueville, the term atomization describes the breaking down of a society into a collection of detached, self-interested individuals. He traced this tendency in America to its defining conditions, which he saw as a mix of strengths and potential dangers. 

Key drivers of this atomization include:

• Individualism: Tocqueville observed a new form of individualism in America, different from simple selfishness. In a democracy, since no one is intrinsically superior to another, individuals tend to withdraw into the private sphere of family and friends, leading to political apathy.
• Equality of conditions: The breakdown of traditional hierarchies (like those in European aristocracy) meant every citizen is "assimilated to all the rest, [and] is lost in the crowd". This makes the individual feel insignificant when compared to the vast, anonymous power of the majority.
• Preoccupation with materialism: The democratic spirit fosters a constant, restless drive for material well-being. The relentless pursuit of private affairs and comforts can distract citizens from their civic duties, making them less interested in politics. 

Counteracting atomization

Despite these dangers, Tocqueville saw several elements of American society that could counteract the isolating effects of individualism. He viewed these factors as crucial for maintaining liberty within a democratic system. 

He highlighted the importance of:

• Voluntary associations: Tocqueville was fascinated by Americans' propensity for forming associations for a variety of purposes—commercial, religious, moral, and social. He called the "science of association" the "mother science" of democracy, arguing it was essential for bringing citizens together and giving them a collective voice.
• Self-interest rightly understood: This concept explains how Americans learned that by cooperating with others to serve the common good, they ultimately served their own long-term interests. This was a powerful force against narrow self-interest and civic disengagement.
• Decentralized government and local liberty: He praised the American system of decentralized power, particularly the practice of local governance at the township level. Engaging in local politics gave citizens hands-on experience with self-government and a greater sense of investment in their own communities.
• Religion and mores: Tocqueville observed that religion in America, unburdened by state ties, was a powerful force for social stability and civic morality. By providing a common moral framework and promoting the "habits of the heart" that sustained civic life, religion indirectly helped counter the excesses of individualism. 

The risk of soft despotism

Tocqueville's most profound fear was that if Americans' countervailing habits failed, the atomization of society would lead to a new kind of tyranny. This "soft despotism" would not be an overt, violent dictatorship but a milder, more pervasive form of government control. He described it as a state that would: 

• Exert control through "a network of petty, complicated rules".
• Cover society with its benevolent, yet powerful, reach.
• Assume the role of a paternal figure, saving citizens the "trouble of thinking and the pain of living". 

Under such a regime, individuals would retain the appearance of freedom but would effectively become a "flock of timid and industrious animals," allowing their individuality to wither away in exchange for comfort and security. For Tocqueville, the fate of equality was in the hands of the citizens, depending on "whether equality is to lead to servitude or freedom".