Equality is a slogan based on envy. It signifies in the heart of every republican: "Nobody is going to occupy a place higher than I."
Alexis de TocquevilleThere are two things which a democratic people will always find very difficult - to begin a war and to end it.
Alexis de TocquevilleWe succeed in enterprises which demand the positive qualities we possess, but we excel in those which can also make use of our defects.
Alexis de TocquevilleThe Americans never use the word peasant, because they have no idea of the class which that term denotes; the ignorance of more remote ages, the simplicity of rural life, and the rusticity of the villager have not been preserved among them; and they are alike unacquainted with the virtues, the vices, the coarse habits, and the simple graces of an early stage of civilization.
Alexis de TocquevilleThe best laws cannot make a constitution work in spite of morals; morals can turn the worst laws to advantage.
Alexis de TocquevilleIn towns it is impossible to prevent men from assembling, getting excited together and forming sudden passionate resolves. Towns are like great meeting houses with all the inhabitants as members. In them the people wield immense influence over their magistrates and often carry their desires into execution without intermediaries.
Alexis de Tocqueville