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At the head of any new undertaking where in France you…

“At the head of any new undertaking where in France you would find the government, or in England some great lord, in the United States you are sure to find an association.” quote by Alexis de Tocqueville
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“At the head of any new undertaking where in France you would find the government, or in England some great lord, in the United States you are sure to find an association.”

Alexis de Tocqueville

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

In each society, a dominant institution fills the leadership gap of new projects, reflecting local power structures.

In simple terms: Institutions fill leadership gaps.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and engage the prevailing institution.

Themes

politics institutionalism leadership

Mood

analytical critical

Type

historical observational

When to use this quote

  • starting a business
  • community organizing
  • policy advocacy
  • nonprofit formation

Key Concepts

civil society government social organization

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does the prevailing institution shape outcomes?
  • What strategies can you use to work with or around it?
A Different Perspective

The dominant institution may resist change or innovation.

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