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