In democratic ages men rarely sacrifice themselves for another, but they show a general compassion for all the human race. One never sees them inflict pointless suffering, and they are glad to relieve the sorrows of others when they can do so without much trouble to themselves. They are not disinterested, but they are gentle.

At the head of any new undertaking where in France you would find the government, or in England some great lord, in the United States you are sure to find an association.

I know of no country in which there is so little independence of mind and real freedom of discussion as in America.

He [Napoleon] was as great as a man can be without morality.

In America one of the first things done in a new State is to make the post go there; in the forests of Michigan there is no cabin so isolated, no valley so wild, but that letters and newspapers arrive at least once a week.

everybody feels the evil, but no one has courage or energy enough to seek the cure

Rulers who destroy men's freedom commonly begin by trying to retain its forms. ... They cherish the illusion that they can combine the prerogatives of absolute power with the moral authority that comes from popular assent.