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
By obliging men to turn their attention to other affairs than their own, it rubs off that private selfishness which is the rust of society.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Engaging in communal matters helps diminish individual selfishness, benefiting society as a whole.
This quote by Alexis De Tocqueville suggests that when individuals are encouraged to focus on collective issues rather than solely their own interests, it reduces personal selfishness. This collective engagement is essential for a healthy society, as it cleanses the 'rust' of self-interest that can detract from communal well-being and social harmony.
Themes
SelfishnessSocietyCommunityAttentionCollectiveAffairs
In practice
Example use cases
In a community meeting, I quoted De Tocqueville to emphasize the importance of working together for local issues.
More from Alexis De Tocqueville
All quotes βDemocratic 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
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
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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