At this point, it started showing up with greater frequency in political rhetoric. The great French philosopher, Alexis de Tocqueville, is said to have observed that America is great because America is good. be no greater proof of its utility and of its conformity to human nature than that its influence is Featured discussion of Sault Ste. Presidents, President Clinton, former Speaker Gingrich, and lots of other politicians have constantly repeated that quote, and it's not true. Featured discussion of the Saginaw area in the 1830s. One of the most oft-quoted passages purportedly from “Democracy in America” is the following, which has been frequently cited (in whole or in part) across the years by politicians, newspapers, books, and websites as a testament to the moral virtuousness of Christianity and/or American democratic institutions: I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers, and it was not there. This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave. google_ad_format = "120x600_as"; ATTRIBUTION: Attributed to ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE by Dwight D. Eisenhower in his final campaign address in Boston, Massachusetts, November 3, 1952. He traveled to America in the 1830s to discover the reasons for the incredible success of this new nation. Enjoy the best Alexis de Tocqueville Quotes at BrainyQuote. They are also spurious. I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution, and it was not there. Alexis de Tocqueville Freedom Mind Country America 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. in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . 22: google_ad_channel =""; Similarly, Ralph Keyes wrote in his 2006 “Quote Verifier” book that no definitive documentation has turned up that traces the origins of these words to de Tocqueville himself: Like presidents Eisenhower and Reagan before him, Bill Clinton was fond of attributing these words to Alexis de Tocqueville. It was amazing to me when I found out. google_ad_client = "pub-0382623543249625"; I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution, and it was not there. Forbid it, Almighty God! 15 September 1996. Featured discussion of a Tocqueville essay contest, and also of use of Tocqueville in the college classroom. I visited their manufactories, their commercial markets, and emporiums of trade. “I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers—and it was not there. This quote dates back to at least 1922 (Herald and Presbyter, September 6, 1922, p. 8)