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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on how the value of items can diminish when they become widely accessible, contrasting quality with abundance.
This quote by Alexis De Tocqueville highlights the relationship between wealth and the quality of possessions, particularly watches in this context. It suggests that when watches were exclusive to the wealthy, they were of high quality, but as they became common ownership for everyone, the overall quality declined, emphasizing how mass availability can lead to a devaluation of craftsmanship and uniqueness.
Themes
WealthQualityWatchesAccessibilityValue
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about consumerism, one might say, 'As De Tocqueville noted, when everyone has access to a product, its intrinsic value often decreases.'
More from Alexis De Tocqueville
All quotes →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.
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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.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
Grant me thirty years of equal division of inheritances and a free press, and I will provide you with a republic.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
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