Alexis de Tocqueville - Democracy in America (1835)

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Democratic institutions generally give men a lofty notion of their country and themselves.

Alexis de Tocqueville

The nations of our time cannot prevent the conditions of men from becoming equal, but it depends upon themselves whether the principle of equality is to lead them to servitude or freedom, to knowledge or barbarism, to prosperity or wretchedness.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Men seldom take the opinion of their equal, or of a man like themselves, upon trust.

Alexis de Tocqueville

Men will not receive the truth from their enemies, and it is seldom offered to them by their friends....

Alexis de Tocqueville

Men living in democratic times have many passions, but most of their passions either end in the love of riches, or proceed from it.

Alexis de Tocqueville

A state of equality is perhaps less elevated, but it is more just; and its justice constitutes its greatness and beauty.

Alexis de Tocqueville

In democracies, nothing is more great or more brilliant than commerce: it attracts the attention of the public, and fills the imagination of the multitude; all energetic passions are directed towards it.

Alexis de Tocqueville

In America man never obeys man, but justice or the law.

Alexis de Tocqueville