"We succeed in enterprises which demand the positive qualities we possess, but we excel in those which can also make use of our defects."
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Quotes by Alexis de Tocqueville
Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) was a French political thinker, historian, and sociologist, best known for his seminal work, "Democracy in America." Born into an aristocratic family during a time of political upheaval, Tocqueville's keen observations of American society during his travels in the 1830s revealed profound insights into democracy, civil society, and the balance between liberty and equality. His work continues to influence the fields of political science and sociology, making him a pivotal figure in understanding modern democracy's evolution and challenges.
17 quotes found
"The whole life of an American is passed like a game of chance, a revolutionary crisis, or a battle."
Alexis de Tocqueville
"Americans are so enamored of equality that they would rather be equal in slavery than unequal in freedom."
Alexis de Tocqueville"I know of no country in which there is so little independence of mind and real freedom of discussion as in America."
Alexis de Tocqueville"When the past no longer illuminates the future, the spirit walks in darkness."
Alexis de Tocqueville"A democratic government is the only one in which those who vote for a tax can escape the obligation to pay it."
Alexis de Tocqueville
"The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens."
Alexis de Tocqueville"As one digs deeper into the national character of the Americans, one sees that they have sought the value of everything in this world only in the answer to this single question: how much money will it bring in?"
Alexis de Tocqueville"The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults."
Alexis de Tocqueville"There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle."
Alexis de Tocqueville
"The Americans combine the notions of religion and liberty so intimately in their minds, that it is impossible to make them conceive of one without the other."
Alexis de Tocqueville"The surface of American society is covered with a layer of democratic paint, but from time to time one can see the old aristocratic colours breaking through."
Alexis de Tocqueville"The main business of religions is to purify, control, and restrain that excessive and exclusive taste for well-being which men acquire in times of equality."
Alexis de Tocqueville"Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude."
Alexis de Tocqueville