Individualism in "Democracy In America"

                "The moral authority of the majority is party based upon the notion that there is more intelligence and wisdom in a number of men united than in a single individual... human pride is thus assailed in its last retreat."
                This statement encapsulates De Tocqueville's argument that democracy promotes the good of all over the prosperity of individuals - in economic terms, that socialism is favored over capitalism and private interests suffer. Is this completely true, however? Do Americans place too much importance on society as a whole than on the individual? I believe some institutions in America supports this argument of the author's while others promote freedom of individuality and personal competition.
                 A support for De Tocqueville's argument is found in his book - specifically, in his analysis of education and intellectual activity in America. These astute observations support his claim about the common good: "In the United States politics are the end and aim of education; in Europe the principal object is to fit men for private life." In other words, children are taught in America how they may best serve their country, not themselves. This is why, he contends, all Americans are educated, but none are geniuses. Americans place their society above their own self-fulfillment in the field of learning and this trait is characteristic of their attitude towards life as a whole.
                Another argument supporting the author's claim lies in his observation that Americans have exchanged equality for liberty. This is a result of the lack of social hierarchies in America and the absence of aristocracy - which in turn is a consequence of abolishment of primogeniture and equal conditions of colonial settlers. "Liberty," points out De Tocquevillle, "is not the [Americans'] chief and constant object of their desires; equality is their idol"... This statement continues to hold true of American society today - and its verity leads to conflict with individualism. The author continues, "This passion tends to elevate the humble to the rank of the great... impels the weak to attempt to lower the powerful to their own level"...
                 However some American institutions do not support De Tocqueville's claim that the common good's importance supersedes that of the individual. For instance, universal suffrage is the right of every American citizen and his choice is made for himself, based upon his own opinions, knowledge and ideology. Moreover the American right to form associations, as De Tocqueville himself admits, is a powerful counterbalance to tyranny of the majority. The minority in America may not always rule, but they are rarely prevented from speaking out and expressing their opposition and joining with others who share their views.
                 Expression of opinion leads to the third American institution promoting individualism - freedom of the press. The liberty of the press in America, claims De Tocqueville, "is the only guarantee of their liberty and security that the citizens possess." A forum in which to speak, debate and express opinions is indeed a powerful guarantor against suppression of thought or stifling of individuality. Liberty of the press is a part of a legitimate democracy - so is the importance of a private citizen's opinions. These two democratic ideas don't conflict - rather they complement one another. Freedom of speech and religion, liberties Americans enjoy,  also place more importance on an individual rather than a community.
                 In conclusion, many of De Tocquville's observations about our country's obsession for equality are correct - this is apparent in social taboos against discrimination, political incorrectness, etc. But America is still free and at present, we are at liberty to enjoy many personal rights. We are free to vote, free to debate personal opinions, free to compete, free to worship as we please. These are liberties that have been dearly paid for, may be dearly fought for again, and ones which we should not take for granted.
          

A Compilation of Great Political and Philosophical Quotes

What is conservatism?  Is it not the adherence to the old and tried against the new and untried?  ~Abraham Lincoln

Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.

—Will Rogers

Believe those who are seeking the truth. Doubt those who find it.

—André Gide

 We learn something every day, and lots of times it’s that what we learned the day before was wrong.

—Bill Vaughan

Politics, it seems to me, for years, or all too long, has been concerned with right or left instead of right or wrong.  ~Richard Armour

“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right” -  Abraham Lincoln

“I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever.”  Thomas Jefferson

"I have come to the conclusion that politics are too serious a matter to be left to the politicians." Charles De Gaulle

All of us who are concerned for peace and triumph of reason and justice must be keenly aware how small an influence reason and honest good will exert upon events in the political field.  ~Albert Einstein