fire in regards to the general human behavior discussed by many of the authors we have read. In his argument he directly correlates his perception of the people as the herd with the Christian movement. Claiming that the Christian religion has indulged and flattered the most sublime herd animal desires, we have reached the point were we find even in political and social institutions an ever more visible expression of this morality: the democratic movement. (Reader 109) Nietzsche parallels those beliefs of Mosca and De Tocqueville. In the peoples quest for equality, they have become the herd, and are no longer perceptive to the authority they are letting go of. This democratic movement is a form of decay of political organization and specifically the diminution of man. Overall, Nietzsche is saying that man is now of a lowered value, due to his herd mentality he will steadily loose control of everything. But he will not notice until it is too late because of his preoccupation with his newfound equality.De Tocqueville does however feel that this advancement of the soft despotism can be prevented. He points out that in the age of aristocracy, man had the aid of those in his class to protect him and stand by his side against oppression. In the age of equality, each man is isolated. There are no hereditary friends he can call on. De Tocqueville implies that an oppressed citizen must appeal to the nation, or to humanity at large. This is done through freedom of the press. Through the press, a single citizen can gain the attention of his fellow people and effectively stand up for himself in a democracy. Therefore, freedom of the press is a necessity.Judicial power is a key element as well. Any citizen, however weak he is, can appeal to a judge and have his case heard. This judicial system must continue to grow with the level of equality as well.Most importantly, De Tocqueville stresses that the elections must be maintained, even...
