“I know of no other country where love of money has such a grip on men's hearts or where stronger scorn is expressed for the theory of permanent equality of property.”

Yes, and it will be our undoing

DeTocqueville could have added that this money love is a sign of limited enlightenment, civility, and humanity.

Who else but a French historian would have to say that! But he hit the nail on the coffin - and yes, Robert, it "will be our undoing."

As Ayn Rand wrote, money is the root of all good. It's nothing but a medium of exchange, a facilitator of trade. In order for people to trade, wealth must be produced, and productivity is a virtue.

This quote does not offer a thoughtful representation of Tocqueville's views on American industry and society. He promoted the ideal of American democracy, which allowed the most common man to have great influence and luxury through the concept of free enterprise and land ownership. The free market system was the best alternative to the despotism and aristocracy that dominate all of Europe during the 1800's.

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