We 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 Tocqueville

---

An American cannot converse, but he can discuss, and his talk falls into a dissertation. He speaks to you as if he was addressing a meeting; and if he should chance to become warm in the discussion, he will say 'Gentlemen' to the person with whom he is conversing. - Alexis de Tocqueville

---

The debates of that great assembly are frequently vague and perplexed, seeming to be dragged rather than to march, to the intended goal. Something of this sort must, I think, always happen in public democratic assemblies. - Alexis de Tocqueville

---

The Indian knew how to live without wants, to suffer without complaint, and to die singing. - Alexis de Tocqueville

---

The genius of democracies is seen not only in the great number of new words introduced but even more in the new ideas they express. -Alexis de Tocqueville

---

In a revolution, as in a novel, the most difficult part to invent is the end. -Alexis de Tocqueville

---

Those that despise people will never get the best out of others and themselves. - Alexis de Tocqueville

---

All those who seek to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation ought to know that war is the surest and shortest means to accomplish it. - Alexis de Tocqueville

---

As one digs deeper into the national character of the Americans, one sees that they have sought the value of everything in this world only in the answer to this single question: how much money will it bring in? - Alexis de Tocqueville

---

There are many men of principle in both parties in America, but there is no party of principle. - Alexis de Tocqueville

---