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
Religion, which never intervenes directly in the government of American society, should therefore be considered as the first of their political institutions
Interpretation
What this quote means
Religion plays a fundamental role in shaping American political institutions, despite not directly governing society.
Alexis De Tocqueville asserts that while religion does not intervene directly in the governance of American society, it serves as a cornerstone of their political institutions. This perspective highlights the importance of moral values and community ethics that religion provides, which influences the political landscape and social behavior in a nuanced, yet significant way.
Themes
ReligionPoliticsSocietyInstitutionsGovernance
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about the role of religion in shaping policies.
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.
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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.
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The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing.
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Grant me thirty years of equal division of inheritances and a free press, and I will provide you with a republic.
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When none but the wealthy had watches, they were almost all very good ones; few are now made which are worth much, but everybody has one in his pocket.
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