Ambition Quote by Alexis de Tocqueville
“Among the droves of men with political ambitions in the United States, I found very few with that virile candor, that manly independence of thought, that often distinguished Americans in earlier times and that is invariably the preeminent trait of great characters wherever it exists.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Democracy in America, 1835
He observes a decline in bold, independent political thinking among modern Americans compared to earlier eras.
In simple terms: American political culture has lost some of its candid, independent spirit.
Key Takeaway
Encourage open, independent thought in civic life.
Themes
politics
culture
individualism
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
observational
historical
When to use this quote
- political debates
- community meetings
- education curricula
Key Concepts
civic engagement
independence
masculinity
Questions to Reflect On
- What factors contribute to independent thought today?
- How can society revive candid political discourse?
A Different Perspective
Critics may argue the view romanticizes past politics.
![“My only supporter and comrade-in-arms was Georg Helm, who had endeavored to formulate an energetic conception of science before me and had presented his results in a treatise [Die Lehre von der Energie] exhibiting great independence of thought. But we were separated by his aversion to a realistic…” quote by Wilhelm Ostwald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e54/wilhelm-ostwald-28861_allies_my-only-supporter-and-comrade-in-arms-wa_142681.jpg)
![“In the long run [censorship] will create a generation incapable of appreciating the difference between independence of thought and subservience.” quote by Henry Steele Commager](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bda/henry-steele-commager-16894_appreciate_in-the-long-run-censorship-will-create-a_1014393.jpg)
