By obliging men to turn their attention to other affairs then their own, it rubs off that private selfishness which is the rust of society.
More Quotes from Alexis Tocqueville:
Though it is very important for man as an individual that his religion should be true, that is not the case for society. Society has nothing to fear or hope from another life what is most important for it is not that all citizens profess the true religion but that they should profess religion.Alexis Tocqueville
I have no hesitation in saying that although the American woman never leaves her domestic sphere and is in some respects very dependent within it, nowhere does she enjoy a higher station. And if anyone asks me what I think the chief cause of the extraordinary prosperity and growing power of this nation, I should answer that it is due to the superiority of their women.
Alexis Tocqueville
Trade is the natural enemy of all violent passions. Trade loves moderation, delights in compromise, and is most careful to avoid anger. It is patient, supple, and insinuating, only resorting to extreme measures in cases of absolute necessity. Trade makes men independent of one another and gives them a high idea of their personal importance it leads them to want to manage their own affairs and teaches them to succeed therein. Hence it makes them inclined to liberty but disinclined to revolution.
Alexis Tocqueville
Born often under another sky, placed in the middle of an always moving scene, himself driven by the irresistible torrent which draws all about him, the American has no time to tie himself to anything, he grows accustomed only to change, and ends by regarding it as the natural state of man. He feels the need of it, more he loves it for the instability instead of meaning disaster to him, seems to give birth only to miracles all about him.
Alexis Tocqueville
When an opinion has taken root in a democracy and established itself in the minds of the majority, if afterward persists by itself, needing no effort to maintain it since no one attacks it. Those who at first rejected it as false come in the end to adopt it as accepted, and even those who still at the bottom of their hearts oppose it keep their views to themselves, taking great care to avoid a dangerous and futile contest.
Alexis Tocqueville
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.
Alexis Tocqueville
Readers Who Like This Quotation Also Like:
Based on Topics: Society & Civilization QuotesBased on Keywords: obliging, rubs
I'm not writing just about melancholy stuff anymore, I made a point to cover a wide range of emotions.
Chantal Kreviazuk
I've never been scared of contact. Now I get to bring it, that's what I love to do, so I'm going to bring it.
Reggie Lewis
You know why I'm pulling your leg? Because I can't touch it from where I am.
Gene Simmons