Alexis de Tocqueville

The Europeans have been able to acquire a knowledge of the natural sciences, and to some extent, of the mechanical arts, without the aid of any superior intelligence. But they have never been able to acquire a knowledge of the moral sciences, or to any extent, of the fine arts, without the aid of a superior intelligence.

The Americans are a very religious people, and they are very careful to keep their religion separate from their politics.

Despotism often presents itself as the defender of the oppressed, and the friend of the humble. It can even be useful to them, but it is always at the price of their liberty.

It is difficult to imagine how a man who has entirely given up the habit of controlling himself, can be capable of governing others.

I do not know if the people of the United States are better than the people of other countries; but I know that they are more virtuous.

The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.

When I see the American people, I am struck with the thought that they are a people born to be free.

The love of equality is sometimes a passion, sometimes a reasonable preference.

I am not afraid of the storm, for I am learning how to sail my ship.

The American Indians are, in a certain sense, a foreign people, and they have no place in the midst of the European population.

It is not the facility of the elections which makes the American government democratic, but the character of the people.

I know of no country in which the love of money has taken stronger hold on the affections of men, and in which the passion for physical gratification is more general than in America.

The United States is a land of wonders, in which everything is in constant motion, and in which nothing is fixed.

The most dangerous of all errors is to believe that error itself is harmless.

The American principle of the sovereignty of the people, when it is fully developed, will lead to a species of legal despotism.

I do not say that the Americans are more religious than other people; but I say that they have a greater respect for religion.

The man who is most likely to succeed in life is the man who is always willing to take a chance.

The Americans have a great taste for physical gratifications. They are always seeking to procure them, and they are never satisfied.

The greatest danger that threatens democracy is the abuse of liberty.

It is difficult to make a people who have been accustomed to live under a despotic government, understand the advantages of liberty.