In 1831 Alexander de Tocqueville was sent by the French government to study the American prison system. In typical French fashion, he took a couple wrong turns to enjoy his coffee at outdoor cafes, so when he returned to France in 1832, he provided a much wider view of the then fledgling country through his book, Democracy in America. Below are a few select quotes that continue to resonate today – including his wry observation on democracy and the ultimate bribe!

America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.

As one digs deeper into the national character of the Americans, one sees that they have sought the value of everything in this world only in the answer to this single question: how much money will it bring in?

Consider any individual at any period of his life, and you will always find him preoccupied with fresh plans to increase his comfort.

Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude.

In no other country in the world is the love of property keener or more alert than in the United States, and nowhere else does the majority display less inclination toward doctrines which in any way threaten the way property is owned.

Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith.

The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public’s money.

The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.