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About Alexis de Tocqueville
Leadership Program | Alexis de Tocqueville Society Members
Only 26 years old when he came to America in 1831, Alexis Charles-Henri Clerel de Tocqueville traveled all over the young nation. Though he spent only nine months in the United States, he gleaned an insightful view of American Society. His observations, readings, and discussions with eminent Americans formed the basis of Democracy in America, a detailed study of American society and politics, published in two volumes, in 1835 and 1840.
Perhaps his most important observation was that Americans helped each other in times of need. He recognized, applauded, and immortalized the voluntary spirit that lives in America’s heart. He wrote: “I must say that I have seen Americans make great and real sacrifices to the public welfare; and have noticed a hundred instances in which they hardly ever failed to lend faithful support to one another.”
The name Alexis de Tocqueville Society was chosen because of Tocqueville’s admiration for the spirit of voluntary association and voluntary effort for the common good.
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