Ambition Quote by Alexis de Tocqueville
“No stigma attaches to the love of money in America, and provided it does not exceed the bounds imposed by public order, it is held in honor. The American will describe as noble and estimable ambition that our medieval ancestors would have called base cupidity.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville, 1835
In America, loving money is acceptable if it stays within legal limits and is presented as respectable ambition.
In simple terms: Money love is okay if legal and respectable.
Key Takeaway
Respect lawful ambition.
Themes
ethics
money
society
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
sociopolitical
observational
When to use this quote
- business decisions
- political discourse
- personal finance
- public policy
Key Concepts
capitalism
social norms
reputation
Questions to Reflect On
- When does ambition become greed?
- How to balance profit and public good?
A Different Perspective
Excessive greed can still harm social trust.
