![]() ![]() Americans, in contrast, arrived at equality by bringing it from England. ![]() Tocqueville argues that they eventually did, and this is why the first revolution to overthrow a monarchy occurred in France. ![]() Looking at Europe’s intellectual history, Tocqueville finds it curious that Descartes and his followers did not immediately apply his conclusions to politics. This leads to a kind of optimism and confidence, as “they easily conclude that everything in the world is explicable and that nothing exceeds the bounds of intelligence” (404). The most perfect form of equality requires complete freedom. Lacking a class identity to form their opinions from, Americans trust their own opinions. Volume II, Part II: Influence of Democracy on the Sentiments of the Americans Chapter 1: Why Democratic Nations Show a More Ardent and Enduring Love for Equality Than for Liberty People in democratic nations love equality much more than liberty. While Americans are not especially interested in formal philosophy, Tocqueville argues that all Americans believe in “the individual effort of his reason” (403), which he identifies closely with French Enlightenment philosopher Rene Descartes. Volume 2 of the classic commentary on the influence of democracy on the intellect, feelings, and actions of Americans. In this volume Tocqueville concentrates particularly on the cultural and social consequences of democratic politics rather than the details and operation of the American political system. ![]()
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