Egalitarianism Quote by Eric Hobsbawm
““For, whatever was the case in de Tocqueville's day, not the passion for egalitarianism but an individualist, that is anti-authoritarian, antinomian though curiously legalistic anarchism, has become the core of the value system in the USA.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Age of Extremes by Eric Hobsbawm, 1994
American values blend anti-authoritarian individualism with a paradoxical legalistic anarchism.
In simple terms: US values mix liberty with subtle legalism.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the tension between freedom and order.
Themes
individualism
liberty
law
culture
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- social movements
- education
- media critique
Key Concepts
political theory
American studies
anarchism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does anti-authoritarianism mean today?
- How does legalistic anarchism manifest in law?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on individualism can ignore communal responsibilities.
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