The aspect of American society is animated, because men and things are always changing; but it is monotonous, because all the changes are alike.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
Democratic communities have a natural taste for freedom: left to themselves they will seek it, cherish it, and view any deprivation of it with regret. But for equality their passion is ardent, insatiable, incessant, invincible: they call for equality in freedom; and if they cannot obtain that, they still call for equality in slavery.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Democratic societies value freedom inherently, but they have an intense and unending desire for equality, even if it means seeking it in less than ideal conditions.
In this quote, Alexis De Tocqueville explores the dual desires of democratic communities for both freedom and equality. He argues that while individuals in such communities will naturally strive for freedom and feel regret when it is lacking, their yearning for equality is far more intense and relentless. This passion for equality often drives people to seek equality even in adverse situations, revealing a profound societal commitment to equal treatment and opportunities.
Themes
DemocracyFreedomEqualityCommunitySociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on civil rights, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of striving for both freedom and equality in a democratic society.
More from Alexis De Tocqueville
All quotes →Religion, which never intervenes directly in the government of American society, should therefore be considered as the first of their political institutions
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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.
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The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing.
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Grant me thirty years of equal division of inheritances and a free press, and I will provide you with a republic.
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When none but the wealthy had watches, they were almost all very good ones; few are now made which are worth much, but everybody has one in his pocket.
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