Questionable Alexis de Tocqueville Quote

"In the end, the state of the Union comes down to the character of the
people. ... I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her
commodious harbors, her ample rivers, and it was not there. I sought for
it in the fertile fields, and boundless prairies, and it was not there.
I sought it in her rich mines, and vast world commerce, and it was not
there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her
pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her
genius and power."

by:	Alexis de Tocqueville [Alexis Charles Henri Maurice Clerel, le Comte de Tocqueville] (1805-1859) French historian
Source:	No source has ever been found for this popular quote. See: http://www.tocqueville.org/pitney.htm
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Categories:	America, Character, Religion, Virtue, Wisdom
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How could America possibly be a great nation without the preaching of the Gospel?One is not so naive as to think that the natural resources of this continent are greater than that of South America or of Africa or Europe. Knowledge of the Bible produces freedom. There will be no free countries anywhere unless the Gospel is preached in those countries.  -- Robert Dominguez, Chula Vista, CA      1
This is true...the greatness of our country is found in the truth of connection with God and His almighty power flowing through us. This is why this country came to be and have the foundational documents it has. We do enjoy freedom now because of this insight long ago...and we need to get back to this great awakening in our hearts.  -- Robin Guerrero, Media, Pennsylvania
Regaining this righteousness through Christ is the only hope for our nation. I pray our young people will wake up and shake off the influences of computer, games, television and media before it is too late!!!  -- Kelly Hoke, Lexington, Kentucky
-- Anonymous
The sure source of freedom is having self-government under God . "Men can't rightly be governed without the Bible." A. Lincoln "The Bible is the rock on which our republic rests." Andrew Jackson The Bible is the source of all true liberty.  -- John Kinzer, Albuquerque, NM      1
It is said by some that because the quote cannot be found "among the writings" of de Toqueville that it cannot be attributed to him. Ok. Granted that caveat, the absolute truth of the statement CAN and HAS BEEN verified time and again over our 234 year history, despite the massive "progressive" (communist) push to cover over and revise history. The term "progressive" in this context was coined by John Dewey in the 1930's as a synonym for Soviet style Communism, which he patterned your "education" system after. Read "Public Education Against America" by the late Marlin Maddoux.  -- Randy Kyle, Vacaville
This is true. Without God we would not know what is good, perfect and just.This nation is built on Judeo-Christian beliefs & our laws are grounded in the Ten Commandments. They are the Laws of love; If you think not, ask the child whos family is destroyed by adultery, or the recipients of the Madoff scandle or the murder of a child. God is the answer.!!!  -- Beth Wil, Edmond
It be no point.  -- louis vuitton bags, Canada
Here's the reference, but apparently, unless you can get your hands on an original copy, you won't find the reference because it was removed. (Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America, 1840, Vintage Books, NY, 1945, 1:316)  -- Trevan H, Gilbert
AMEN, AMEN, & AMEN  -- Mike, Norwalk      1
America was founded upon Christian religious freedom from the very beginning.  The republic is not suited for an immoral and irreligious people for it stands upon liberty and the responsibility that comes with it.  Peace with the native people's was also integral.  But whenever the people departed from the Christian way, servitude, war and pestilence followed.  Same as it ever was...   -- E Archer, NYC      2
-- Ronw13, ID
We in America should be aware and leary of these grandiose term of genius and powerful. We are here as Americans to be in humble assistance to the world community. We are to serve the people of the world in the most positive, effective and efficient manner possible.  We must promote the path for further growth. There is a universe out there and we must settle in her most farthest territories.   -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown
P.S. We need too soon as possible settle the planet Mars, effect more moon missions, and many more space stations should be constructed. Space should become very very very familiar to our consciousness. It should be a common topic in our conversation practices.  -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

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