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Saved by Danger/Destroyed by Success. The Argument of Tocqueville’s Souvenirs

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2009

Stephen Holmes
Stephen Holmes*
Affiliation:
New York University School of Law [[email protected]].
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Abstract

Into the ironic narrative of his Souvenirs, Tocqueville weaves a schematic saved-by-danger vs. destroyed-by-success scheme to illuminate the conditions under which revolutionary movements are crushed or prevail. Emergencies focus distracted minds on a single aim-in-view and moderate competitive emotions, encouraging talented members of a privileged group to pool their resources cooperatively. Contrariwise, less salient dangers creep up on privileged groups, taking them unawares, especially if they have become inured to danger by a seemingly unchallenging environment.

Résumé

Dans le récit plein d'ironie que donne ses Souvenirs, Tocqueville esquisse un schéma d'opposition entre Sauvé par le danger et Perdu par le succès qui éclaire les conditions sous lesquelles les mouvements révolutionnaires s'effondrent ou réussissent. Les situations critiques concentrent les esprits avec un seul objectif en vue, modèrent les appétits concurrents en encourageant les membres talentueux du groupe qui tient l'avantage à coopérer avec toutes leurs ressources. À l'opposé, des dangers moins pressants endorment la vigilance des groupes privilégiés, surtout s'ils se sont habitués au danger dans un environnement apparemment peu inquiétant.

Zusammenfassung

In der ironischen Erzählung Souvenirs skizziert Tocqueville den Gegensatz zwischen gerettet vor der Gefahr und verloren durch den Erfolg, um den Untergang oder Sieg revolutionärer Bewegungen zu erklären. Kritische Situationen führen zur Begrenzung auf ein Ziel, verringern das Konkurrenzdenken, wobei talentierte Mitglieder von der Gruppendynamik profitieren. Im Gegensatz dazu verringern weniger dringende Gefahren die Wachsamkeit der privilegierten Gruppen, vor allen Dingen wenn sie an Gefahr in einer scheinbar harmlosen Umgebung gewohnt sind.

Keywords

AttentionCooperationDangerDefectionEnvyRevolutionVigilanceCoopérationDangerDéfectionJalousieRévolutionTocquevilleAufmerksamkeitZusammenarbeitGefahrAbwendungNeidRevolution
Type
Research Articles
Information
European Journal of Sociology / Archives Européennes de Sociologie , Volume 50 , Issue 2 , August 2009 , pp. 171 - 199
Copyright
Copyright © A.E.S. 2009

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References

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