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
The best laws cannot make a constitution work in spite of morals; morals can turn the worst laws to advantage. That is a commonplace truth, but one to which my studies are always bringing me back. It is the central point in my conception. I see it at the end of all my reflections.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Laws alone are ineffective without moral integrity; morality can enhance the worst laws.
Alexis De Tocqueville emphasizes that the effectiveness of a constitution is not solely determined by its legal framework but heavily relies on the moral values of the society it governs. He asserts that even the best laws lose their power without the support of a morally upright populace, while conversely, a morally sound society can make even inadequate laws function effectively.
Themes
LawsMoralsConstitutionSocietyGovernance
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the importance of ethics in law, one might say, 'As Alexis De Tocqueville noted, the best laws cannot make a constitution work without the foundation of morals.'
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.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
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.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
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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