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"A fever grips the entire nation. The election becomes the daily grist of the public papers, the subject of private conversation, the aim of all activity, the object of all thought, the sole interest of the moment.” -(Alexis de Tocqueville writing about the US in 1832)… Tocqueville warned that modern democracy may be adept at inventing new forms of tyranny because radical equality could lead to the materialism of an expanding bourgeoisie and to the selfishness of individualism. “In such conditions, we might become so enamored with ‘a relaxed love of present enjoyments’ that we lose interest in the future of our descendants…and meekly allow ourselves to be led in ignorance by a despotic force all the more powerful because it does not resemble one”
French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said “I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests—and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning— and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution—and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!”
Source: America’s God and Country, William J. Federer
I picked up a copy of Federer’s book in the late 90’s; it is a treasure trove of quotations, including this one from de Tocqueville. Of course, the revisionists claim he never said it. Thank you for sharing.
While in college I actually read Tocqueville‘s book upon recommendation of my political science advisor. Leave it to the French for an insightful critique. Their history and culture proved to be an appropriate background as a comparison.