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
There is, in fact, a manly and lawful passion for equality which excites men to wish all to be powerful and honored. This passion tends to elevate the humble to the rank of the great; but there exists also in the human heart a depraved taste for equality, which impels the weak to attempt to lower the powerful to their own level, and reduces men to prefer equality in slavery to inequality with freedom.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote discusses two contrasting desires for equality: a noble aspiration for fairness and a destructive envy that seeks to drag others down.
Alexis De Tocqueville's quote examines the complex nature of the human desire for equality. He highlights a positive and noble pursuit where individuals aspire to empower the less fortunate, allowing them to rise to prominence. However, he also warns of a darker aspect of this desire—an inclination among some to undermine the powerful, preferring a state of equality even when it means sacrificing freedom. This duality reflects the intricate dynamics of social power and ambition.
Themes
EqualityFreedomPowerEnvyHumility
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about social justice, one might use this quote to highlight the positive vs. negative aspects of the quest for equality.
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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