Although this is the first time I have read a selection from Alexis de Tocqueville, I can tell solely from this chapter that his ideas are fundamental in the study of sociology. He builds his argument from the bottom up, beginning with the uniqueness of individual humans in their ability to improve, and then elaborating on this idea of improvement as it relates to democratic and aristocratic nations. This chapter provides an enlightening understanding of the interplay between equality and the possibility of unlimited advancement.
While it is not stated directly, I found myself understanding Tocqueville’s views on the relationship between equality and the indefinite perfectibility of humans through the concept of the American dream, or the idea that all Americans are capable of self-improvement and achieving success in the country. Unfortunately, this idea of the American dream was never truly attainable for all citizens. Although the dream claims that all people can achieve their goals, Americans live in a country that was built on the institution of slavery. Consequently, those living in the country were indeed classed and ranked. The country did not begin with total equality and as a result, noting how society has progressed, I would argue that it continues to claim and represent equality insufficiently.
Therefore, while I recognize Tocqueville’s ideas as imperative for understanding democracy, I find it to be unrepresentative of the peculiar democracy that is American. However, this is merely my understanding of the piece and my opinion. I am curious to hear other classmates’ responses to how this piece relates to American society. Is the American dream attainable for all in current times? Was it ever attainable for all? I am looking forward to reading more from Tocqueville in the coming weeks and discussing some of these influential ideas in class.