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 (more quotes by Alexis de Tocqueville or books by/about 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
Categories:	America, Character, Religion, Virtue, Wisdom
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