Country Quote by Alexis de Tocqueville
“Democratic institutions generally give men a lofty notion of their country and themselves.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Democracy in America, 1835
Democratic societies foster a grand sense of national pride and personal importance, sometimes inflating self‑importance.
In simple terms: Democracy can boost national and personal ego.
Key Takeaway
Stay humble, serve the common good.
Themes
civic pride
individualism
democracy
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political speeches
- civic education
- public service
Key Concepts
national identity
self‑perception
political culture
Questions to Reflect On
- How does pride affect civic responsibility?
- Can pride be balanced with humility?
A Different Perspective
Excessive pride may lead to elitism.
![“[T]he main evil of the present democratic institutions of the united states does not raise, as is often asserted in Europe, from their weakness, but from their irresistible strength. I am not so much alarmed at the excessive liberty which reigns in that country as at the inadequate securities…” quote by Alexis de Tocqueville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1e1/alexis-de-tocqueville-625_country_t-he-main-evil-of-the-present-democratic_3001053.jpg)
![“That country [Carthage] was rapidly sinking into the state of barbarism from whence it had been raised by the Phoenician colonies and Roman laws; and every step of intestine discord was marked by some deplorable victory of savage man over civilized society.” quote by Edward Gibbon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/70c/edward-gibbon-710_barbarism_that-country-carthage-was-rapidly-sinkin_393.jpg)
