Alexis de Tocqueville

The American character is essentially practical and utilitarian.

I have never been able to understand how a man can be truly happy without being useful to his fellow creatures.

The greatest evil that can befall a nation is the loss of its liberties.

The love of liberty is the noblest of all passions.

The Americans are a people of innovators.

I am convinced that the only way to be truly free is to be master of oneself.

The greatest danger to democracy is not the tyranny of the few, but the tyranny of the majority.

The Americans are a religious people, but their religion is a practical one.

I have always believed that the best way to understand a country is to travel through it.

The love of money is the root of all evil, but the love of liberty is the source of all good.

The Americans are a people of action, not of contemplation.

I am convinced that the only way to be truly happy is to be useful to others.

The greatest danger to democracy is the apathy of the citizens.

The Americans are a people of progress, always striving for something better.

I have always believed that the best way to learn is to teach.

The love of power is the most dangerous of all passions.

The Americans are a people of enterprise, always seeking new opportunities.

I am convinced that the only way to be truly free is to be responsible for oneself.

The greatest danger to democracy is the corruption of its leaders.

The Americans are a people of optimism, always looking to the future.