The piece written by Alexis de Tocqueville makes a series of novel judgements regarding the evolution of thoughts and ideas in American society. Tocqueville explains that we are constantly modifying and improving upon ideas, as this sets us apart from so called “brutes”. This idea that we are capable of improvement and getting better is what sets humans apart from the rest, and Tocqueville believes that this idea is as old as time. Despite this, Tocqueville states that the idea of equality has changed the idea of constant improvement and perfection that is inherent in humans. It allows society as a whole to constantly improve and strive to be better together.
Tocqueville arrives at the idea that the aristocratic system puts everyone into class according to “rank, profession, or birth” and this in turn has a profound effect on the inherent human condition to improve and advance. Once a person is put into a lower class from the moment they are born, this impairs their ability to want to improve and perfect their life. Tocqueville feels that the aristocratic system sets limits of sort that allow people to perceive improvement, but they do not strive to set new limits and strive for change.
Further, Tocqueville asserts that once people are taken out of castes or classes, they are almost liberated and are able to seek change and buy into the idea that the ultimate good has not been achieved. They continue to seek and seek this intangible idea of perfection and are never satisfied with the status quo. Tocqueville paints an extremely interesting picture in the piece while advocating for democracy. I pose the following questions: how prevalent is this is modern society? Despite us living in a rather democratic country, to what extent are people put into certain social classes that do not allow them to advance and strive for change for the better? Would a completely democratic society be viable in America today?