The First thing that strikes a traveler in the United States is the innumerable multitude of those who seek to emerge from their original condition; and the second is the rarity of lofty ambition to be observed in the midst of the universally ambitious stir of society. No Americans are devoid of a yearning desire to rise, but hardly any appear to entertain hopes of great magnitude or to pursue very lofty aims. All are constantly seeking to acquire property, power, and reputation.


Book Three, Chapter XIX. - Democracy in America, Volume II (1840) - Book Two

Alexis de Tocqueville Quotes

The First thing that strikes a traveler in the United States is the innumerable multitude of those who seek to emerge from their original condition;...

The First thing that strikes a traveler in the United States is the innumerable multitude of those who seek to emerge from their original condition;...

The First thing that strikes a traveler in the United States is the innumerable multitude of those who seek to emerge from their original condition;...

The First thing that strikes a traveler in the United States is the innumerable multitude of those who seek to emerge from their original condition;...