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The main business of religions is to purify, control, and…

“The main business of religions is to purify, control, and restrain that excessive and exclusive taste for well-being which men acquire in times of equality.” quote by Alexis de Tocqueville
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“The main business of religions is to purify, control, and restrain that excessive and exclusive taste for well-being which men acquire in times of equality.”

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.

Religion serves to moderate excesses of desire for comfort, especially when equality fosters complacency.

In simple terms: Religion tempers excess desire for comfort in equality.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the role of restraint in societal balance.

Themes

religion equality moderation

Mood

analytical critical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • political debates
  • community building
  • personal ethics

Key Concepts

social control moral philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does religion balance comfort and ambition?
  • Is there a secular alternative to this moderating role?
A Different Perspective

Excessive restraint can suppress healthy ambition.

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