Alexis de Tocqueville

Probably one of the most insightful books I have read in a long time. Written in ca. 1830 based on travels to the US de Tocqueville writes his observations and conclusions about the state of democracy in America while trying to generalize what this means to the world in general. Being born into a noble family, but at this time being a government employee of the 2nd French republic, is a strong supporter of democracy, which he considers to be an unavoidable conclusion and consequence of the last thousand years of human evolution and in particular an increasing drive towards equality. He argues that by observing the state of affairs in America, one can evaluate the merits of Democracy without the distortions brought about by violent revolutions and a host of old traditions as it it was the case in Europe. He postulates equality to be the essential driver in any democratic system - equality leading to democracy and democracy favoring equality - and argues how the mechanisms and guiding principles at work affect all aspects of public and private life - how people think, feel, behave and act.

Being an astute observer de Tocqueville puts his finger on many points that to a newcomer are still striking idiosyncrasies of the American society today. Speaking of how ingrained habits and traditions can be! In other points he has predicted how the forces at work would drive the American society (or the democratic world in general) towards certain conclusions - which some can from todays point of view be confirmed. But also having brought up in a society where equality is explicitly NOT taken for granted, he adds an outsiders viewpoint to the principles of democracy that we have lost since any alternative seems unimaginable for us today. He also seems to experience a similar ambivalence towards the American system as much of the world conditioned by slightly different traditions, still does today. While on one hand, he admires the universally high standard of living, wealth and education, the low rate of cruelty and injustice of the state towards its citizens or the great energy and enthusiasm which are directed towards improving peoples (material) lives - on the other hand, he deplores the drive towards mediocrity and uniformity in the intellectual and cultural live, focus on the extreme near term with little consideration for the past or future, a lonely kind of individualism and a single minded concern for material wealth only.

This abridged version is very readable and should eliminate any excuses, why this text should not be required reading for anybody who wants to use worlds like "Freedom" and "Democracy" in any conversation.