72.3k views
2 votes
Americans are so enamored of equality that they would rather be equal in slavery than unequal in freedom… Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America, 1835. Which of de Tocqueville’s American values are reflected in the quote above?

A. Religious freedom
B. Laissez-faire
C. Populism
D. Egalitarianism

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

Alexis de Tocqueville's quote reflects the value of egalitarianism, as it discusses the preference for equality even at the cost of individual freedom within American democratic society.

Step-by-step explanation:

The quote by Alexis de Tocqueville, “Americans are so enamored of equality that they would rather be equal in slavery than unequal in freedom…” reflects the American value of egalitarianism. This term refers to the belief in human equality, especially with respect to social, political, and economic affairs. In the context of Tocqueville's observations in Democracy in America, he highlights the potential danger of democracy's emphasis on equality potentially leading to a disregard for individual liberty, as the tyranny of the majority could oppress minority interests. The value that best matches the sentiment expressed in the quote is therefore egalitarianism (D).

User ZeeAzmat
by
8.2k points