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 was cut in two: those who had nothing united in common envy; those who had anything united in common terror.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the divide in society between the poor, who feel envious of the rich, and the rich, who fear losing their status.
Alexis De Tocqueville's quote underscores a significant social divide, suggesting that those without wealth form a bond through their shared envy of those who possess it, while the wealthy, in turn, are united by a common fear of losing their possessions and power. This duality reflects the tensions and conflicts that arise from economic disparities, illustrating how social cohesion can emerge from negative emotions such as envy and fear rather than positive interactions.
Themes
SocietyWealthEnvyFearDivisionEconomy
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about economic inequality, this quote can illustrate the emotional dynamics between different social classes.
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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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.
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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.
Alexis De TocquevilleRead
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