In the reading the liberal arts in an age of info-glut by todd gitlin, what is the purpose in quoting nineteenth-century critic alexis de tocqueville(para.5)?

Todd Gitlin quoted the nineteenth-century critic Alexis de Tocqueville to emphasize that there is a need to spread liberal arts in the age of information. His topics on technology and media suggest that students must learn the thoughts that really endures in our society such as history, philosophy, literature, language and music.

Moreover, Todd Gitlin resonate the observation of Alexis de Tocqueville that popular culture has the ability to create sensational emotions rather than pleasure.