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
I considered mores to be one of the great general causes responsible for the maintenance of a democratic republic . . . the term "mores" . . . meaning . . . habits of the heart.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Mores refer to the collective habits and values that uphold a democratic society.
Alexis De Tocqueville highlights the importance of 'mores'—the shared values and habits of the heart that shape the character of a society. He suggests that these cultural norms are fundamental to maintaining a democratic republic, as they influence the behavior and decisions of individuals within the community, fostering a spirit of cooperation and civic responsibility.
Themes
MoresDemocracyValuesSocietyRepublicHabits
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about civic responsibility during a community meeting.
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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