It is indeed difficult to imagine how men who have entirely renounced the habit of managing their own affairs could be successful in choosing those who ought to lead them. It is impossible to believe that a liberal, energetic, and wise government can ever emerge from the ballots of a nation of servants.
Alexis de TocquevilleMen living in democratic times have many passions, but most of their passions either end in the love of riches, or proceed from it.
Alexis de TocquevilleThe will of the nation is one of those phrases most widely abused by schemers and tyrants of all ages.
Alexis de TocquevilleThe greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.
Alexis de TocquevilleThe Americans combine the notions of religion and liberty so intimately in their minds, that it is impossible to make them conceive of one without the other.
Alexis de TocquevilleThere is hardly a congressman prepared to go home until he has at least one speech printed and sent to his constituents, and he won't let anybody interrupt his harangue until he has made all his useful suggestions about the 24 states of the Union, and especially the district he represents.
Alexis de Tocqueville