"Although private interest directs the greater part of human actions in the United States, ....it does not regulate them all. I must say that I have often seen Americans make great and real sacrifices to the public welfare... [Free institutions and political rights, as reminders of citizenship,] every instant impress upon [the American's] mind the notion that it is the duty, as well as the interest, of men to make themselves useful to their fellow-creatures..." Part II, Bk II, Chpt 28, p 197
Last class we discussed the idea of equality de Tocqueville lays before us, and its role in today's America in contrast with the America of his trip. I think we should continue this discussion, particularly in the strain related in the above quote, on whether the average citizen of today's America truly feel this duty and desire to help his fellow man (or her fellow woman...). I find this especially interesting in light of the selfish reasoning, if you will, that Alexis raised in chapters 16 and 17.
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