Great revolutions are not more common amongst democratic nations than amongst others: I am even inclined to believe that they are less so.

But there prevails amongst those populations a small distressing motion--a sort of incessant jostling of men--which annoys and disturbs the mind, without exciting or elevating it.

Men who live in democratic communities not only seldom indulge in meditation, but they naturally entertain very little esteem for it.

A democratic state of society and democratic institutions plunge the greater part of men in constant active life; and the habits of mind which are suited to an active life, are not always suited to a contemplative one.

The man of action is frequently obliged to content himself with the best he can get, because he would never accomplish his purpose if he chose to carry every detail to perfection.