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Quotes by Alexis de Tocqueville

Born: 29th July 1805, Died: 16th April 1859
Alexis de Tocqueville was a French historian and political philosopher known for his book 'Democracy in America'.
Welcome to our collection of quotes by Alexis de Tocqueville, a renowned historian from the 19th century. This page is dedicated to providing you with valuable insights into Tocqueville's observations and philosophies on various topics. Discover his profound thoughts on democracy, government, society, and the nature of individuals. Dive into Tocqueville's profound analyses and gain a deeper understanding of his timeless wisdom that continues to resonate today. Join us as we explore the intellect and brilliance of Alexis de Tocqueville through his thought-provoking quotes.

The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults. Read Summary

When the past no longer illuminates the future, the spirit walks in darkness. Read Summary

I know of no country in which there is so little independence of mind and real freedom of discussion as in America. Read Summary

There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle. Read Summary

In politics shared hatreds are almost always the basis of friendships. Read Summary

In no other country in the world is the love of property keener or more alert than in the United States, and nowhere else does the majority display less inclination toward doctrines which in any way threaten the way property is owned. Read Summary

Those that despise people will never get the best out of others and themselves. Read Summary

The French want no-one to be their superior. The English want inferiors. The Frenchman constantly raises his eyes above him with anxiety. The Englishman lowers his beneath him with satisfaction. Read Summary

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. Read Summary

He was as great as a man can be without morality. Read Summary

An American cannot converse, but he can discuss, and his talk falls into a dissertation. He speaks to you as if he was addressing a meeting; and if he should chance to become warm in the discussion, he will say 'Gentlemen' to the person with whom he is conversing. Read Summary

No state of society or laws can render men so much alike but that education, fortune, and tastes will interpose some differences between them; and though different men may sometimes find it their interest to combine for the same purposes, they will never make it their pleasure. Read Summary

Americans are so enamored of equality that they would rather be equal in slavery than unequal in freedom. Read Summary

History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies. Read Summary

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? Read Summary

We succeed in enterprises which demand the positive qualities we possess, but we excel in those which can also make use of our defects. Read Summary

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. Read Summary

The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing. Read Summary

A democratic government is the only one in which those who vote for a tax can escape the obligation to pay it. Read Summary

There is hardly a pioneer's hut which does not contain a few odd volumes of Shakespeare. I remember reading the feudal drama of Henry V for the first time in a log cabin. Read Summary