I cannot help fearing that men may reach a point where they look on every new theory as a danger, every innovation as a toilsome trouble, every social advance as a first step toward revolution, and that they may absolutely refuse to move at all.
Alexis de TocquevilleConsider any individual at any period of his life, and you will always find him preoccupied with fresh plans to increase his comfort.
Alexis de TocquevilleMen will not receive the truth from their enemies, and it is seldom offered to them by their friends.
Alexis de TocquevilleAmerica is a country where they have freedom of speech but everyone says the same thing.
Alexis de TocquevilleAmong the droves of men with political ambitions in the United States, I found very few with that virile candor, that manly independence of thought, that often distinguished Americans in earlier times and that is invariably the preeminent trait of great characters wherever it exists.
Alexis de TocquevilleTrade is the natural enemy of all violent passions. Trade loves moderation, delights in compromise, and is most careful to avoid anger. It is patient, supple, and insinuating, only resorting to extreme measures in cases of absolute necessity. Trade makes men independent of one another and gives them a high idea of their personal importance: it leads them to want to manage their own affairs and teaches them to succeed therein. Hence it makes them inclined to liberty but disinclined to revolution.
Alexis de Tocqueville