The World in Time / Lapham’s Quarterly

Episode 92: Olivier Zunz

Jun 24, 2022
Olivier Zunz, a historian and author of “The Man Who Understood Democracy,” shares profound insights on Alexis de Tocqueville’s perspectives. He delves into Tocqueville's believes that democracy demands active citizen engagement and stable institutions. The conversation highlights Tocqueville's nuanced views on liberty and equality, examining their relevance today. Zunz also discusses the importance of community support in American democracy and reflects on the challenges posed by industrial society to democratic ideals.
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INSIGHT

Tocqueville's Noble Yet Democratic Roots

  • Tocqueville came from French nobility but embraced democracy, unlike his family who feared equality.
  • He saw equality as the source of freedom, contrasting aristocratic privileges he was born into.
INSIGHT

Power of Association Over Individualism

  • Tocqueville distinguished between individualism as strength and selfishness as negative.
  • He emphasized associations as vital for achieving collective goals, a major American political theory contribution.
INSIGHT

Enlightened Self-Interest in America

  • Tocqueville valued self-interest properly understood, serving community benefit over traditional virtue.
  • Americans act out of enlightened self-interest, favoring practicality over idealized virtue.
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