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Society is endangered not by the great profligacy of a few, but by the laxity of morals amongst all.
Alexis De Tocqueville
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Society faces danger not from a few immoral individuals, but from widespread moral indifference.

This quote by Alexis De Tocqueville highlights the idea that the fabric of society is threatened not so much by the actions of a few who behave immorally, but rather by the general decline in moral standards among the populace. When many individuals choose to overlook ethical behavior, it creates an environment where societal values can decay, leading to greater issues that affect everyone.

Themes

SocietyMoralityEthicsIndifferenceValues

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about the importance of personal ethics in community service events.

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The aspect of American society is animated, because men and things are always changing; but it is monotonous, because all the changes are alike.
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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 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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