Book Review: Democracy In America

Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville was a heavy read, to put it mildly. 

Tocqueville visited the United States in 1831 to study the country. Initially, his focus was the prison system, but his study expanded to include the government structure and the socio-economic conditions of the country. Once he completed his research, he returned to France and published his findings. The first volume came out in 1835 and the second in 1840. My 2004 edition was translated by Henry Reeve, an English journalist and author (September 9, 1813 – October 21, 1895).

Tocqueville wrote that his purpose in Democracy in America was “to teach democracy to know itself, and thereby to direct itself and contain itself.” (p. xl) In other words, teaching democracy to recognize both its strengths and weaknesses in order to be better equipped to avoid overreach and build a fairer, more stable society. What a concept. Still, I think democracy in America has a long way to go.

Tocqueville goes into great detail describing the various levels of government, from the federal level down to towns and counties. He discusses governmental structure, political parties, voting, taxes, laws, salaries, and other administrative functions, often comparing them to democratic elements found in France and the rest of Europe.

He also had a lot to say about Native Americans and slavery, which I’ll comment on after highlighting some key excerpts. 

Two parts of the introduction caught my attention:

“Edward Banfield (American political scientist) writes that it is patently true that ‘after 150 years there is hardly a page [of Tocqueville’s book] that does not open the reader’s eyes to the larger implications of some familiar fact.’” (p. xxxiii)

I completely agree with Banfield’s comment. It’s almost impossible not to make comparisons to what is happening in our current environment and how we got to this point.

“After 1870, the book dropped from intellectual sight because it apparently did not celebrate America enough in an age of American boosterism. In the 1930s, its darker aspects began to be appreciated by an intellectual readership swept up, along with the rest of the country, in the gloom of the Depression… Tocqueville was useful again in the late 1940s and ’50s,… ‘Almost equally prized by American intellectuals in this same decade,’ Robert Nisbet (American conservative sociologist) writes, ‘were Tocqueville’s ruminations on the decline in intellectual and cultural values under democracy.’” (p. xxxiii)

Here are some of the highlights from the book:

“Two branches may be distinguished in the Anglo-American family, which have hitherto grown up without entirely commingling; the one in the South, the other in the North.” (p. 32)

“Slavery, as we shall afterwards show, dishonors labor; it introduces idleness into society, and with idleness, ignorance and pride, luxury and distress… The influence of slavery, united to the English character, explains the manners and the social condition of the Southern States.” (p. 33)

“Slavery was introduced about the year 1620 by a Dutch vessel which landed twenty negroes on the banks of the river James.” (p. 33, note)

“The English colonies (and this is one of the main causes of their prosperity) have always enjoyed more internal freedom and more political independence than the colonies of other nations; but this principle of liberty was nowhere more extensively applied than in the States of New England.” (p. 39)

“It was never assumed in the United States that the citizen of a free country has a right to do whatever he pleases; on the contrary, social obligations were there imposed upon him more various than anywhere else.” (pp. 78–79)

“When the war of independence was terminated, and the foundations of the new government were to be laid down, the nation was divided between two opinions—two opinions which are as old as the world… the one tending to limit, the other to extend indefinitely, the power of the people. The conflict of these two opinions never assumed that degree of violence in America which it has frequently displayed elsewhere. Both parties of the Americans were, in fact, agreed upon the most essential points; and neither of them had to destroy a traditional constitution, or to overthrow the structure of society, in order to ensure its own triumph.” (p. 202)

“When once the Americans have taken up an idea, whether it be well or ill founded, nothing is more difficult than to eradicate it from their minds.” (p. 216)

“It is not a question of easy solution whether aristocracy or democracy is most fit to govern a country. But it is certain that democracy annoys one part of the community, and that aristocracy oppresses another part. When the question is reduced to the simple expression of the struggle between poverty and wealth, the tendency of each side of the dispute becomes perfectly evident without further controversy.” (p. 218)

“The more we consider the independence of the press in its principal consequences, the more are we convinced that it is the chief and, so to speak, the constitutive element of freedom in the modern world. A nation which is determined to remain free is therefore right in demanding the unrestrained exercise of this independence.” (p. 222)

“On my arrival in the United States I was surprised to find so much distinguished talent among the subjects, and so little among the heads of the Government. It is a well-authenticated fact that at the present day the most able men in the United States are very rarely placed at the head of affairs.” (p. 230)

“Democracy does not confer the most skillful kind of government upon the people, but it produces that which the most skillful governments are frequently unable to awaken—namely, an all-pervading and restless activity, a superabundant force, and an energy which is inseparable from it, and which may, under favorable circumstances, beget the most amazing benefits. These are the true advantages of democracy.” (p. 293)

“General Jackson, whom the Americans have twice elected to the head of their Government, is a man of a violent temper and mediocre talents; no one circumstance in the whole course of his career ever proved that he is qualified to govern a free people, and indeed the majority of the enlightened classes of the Union has always been opposed to him. But he was raised to the Presidency, and has been maintained in that lofty station solely by the recollection of a victory which he gained twenty years ago under the walls of New Orleans.” (p. 335)

“Christianity suppressed slavery, but the Christians of the sixteenth century re-established it—an exception, indeed, to their social system, and restricted to one of the races of mankind; but the wound thus inflicted upon humanity, though less extensive, was at the same time rendered far more difficult to cure.” (p. 413)

“I think that in no country in the civilized world is less attention paid to philosophy than in the United States. The Americans have no philosophical school of their own; and they care but little for all the schools into which Europe is divided.” (p. 511)

“Men are no longer bound together by ideas, but by interests; and it would seem as if human opinions were reduced to a sort of intellectual dust, scattered on every side, unable to collect, unable to cohere.” (p. 516)

“Here and there, in the midst of American society, you meet with men full of a fanatical and almost wild enthusiasm, which hardly exists in Europe. From time to time strange sects arise, which endeavor to strike out extraordinary paths to eternal happiness. Religious insanity is very common in the United States.” (p. 656)

The book is packed with insight, much of it still applicable to the current state of our country. 

Now I turn to my commentary on Tocqueville’s observations about Native Americans and African Americans. I always try to keep an open mind when discussing racial issues, but some of his comments were problematic. A friend on another platform mentioned that she wanted to hear my thoughts on this subject, so the following is part of what I plan to share with her in response. 

I finished the book back in May, but I’ve been reflecting on what Tocqueville wrote. Even though I’m still working through my thoughts, I’m starting to understand the concept of racial bias more clearly. By that, I mean the three forms: implicit, explicit, and systemic. Some of Tocqueville’s comments lean toward implicit bias, but others show explicit bias.

Here are a few excerpts on this topic:

“Even the moderns have found, in some parts of South America, vast regions inhabited by a people of inferior civilization, but which occupied and cultivated the soil… But North America was only inhabited by wandering tribes, who took no thought of the natural riches of the soil, and that vast country was still, properly speaking, an empty continent, a desert land awaiting its inhabitants.” (p. 338)

“Amongst these widely differing families of men, the first which attracts attention, the superior in intelligence, in power and in enjoyment, is the white or European, the man preeminent; and in subordinate grades, the Negro, and the Indian.” (p. 385)

“The Negro has no family; woman is merely the temporary companion of his pleasures, and his children are upon an equality with himself from the moment of their birth.” (p. 386)

Referring to Native Americans:

“The savage is his own master as soon as he is able to act; parental authority is scarcely known to him; he has never bent his will to that of any of his kind, nor learned the difference between voluntary obedience and a shameful subjection; and the very name of law is unknown to him.” (p. 387)

“The great error of these legislators of the Indians was their not understanding that, in order to succeed in civilizing a people, it is first necessary to fix it; which cannot be done without inducing it to cultivate the soil… Men who have once abandoned themselves to the restless and adventurous life of the hunter feel an insurmountable disgust for the constant and regular labor which tillage requires.” (p. 398)

There are even stronger, and perhaps more offensive, comments in the book, but these are sufficient to illustrate the point about racial bias. Of course, this is nothing new; it has existed for centuries and has affected all races around the world.

Tocqueville offers detailed observations on the conditions and perceived characteristics of Native Americans and African Americans in the United States. His views reflect both the intellectual attitudes of his time and the limitations of his understanding, shaped by European cultural frameworks.

Although Tocqueville is regarded as an intellectual, his biases are evident. They reflect both implicit and explicit prejudice and reveal a lack of understanding regarding the family structures and social conditions of Native American and African peoples—structures that, in many cases, predate European civilization.

He criticized efforts to assimilate Indigenous peoples through education and religious conversion, arguing that such initiatives failed because they did not address what he saw as the root issue: the absence of a fixed, agricultural lifestyle. However, his analysis often overlooked the diversity and complexity of Indigenous cultures, reducing them to simplistic generalizations.

Tocqueville’s commentary on African Americans and slavery is more extensive, and at times contradictory. He strongly condemned slavery as morally and socially corrosive, asserting that it degraded labor, discouraged progress, and undermined democratic values in the American South.

At the same time, he echoed harmful racial stereotypes, claiming that African Americans lacked family structures and the cultural traits necessary for full participation in civic life. He questioned whether Black Americans could ever be fully integrated into American society, even if emancipated, due to deep-rooted prejudice. Though critical of both slavery and the treatment of free Black Americans, Tocqueville failed to recognize the resilience and cultural richness of African American communities.

African peoples, African Americans, and Native Americans all had well-established family structures and social hierarchies. To suggest otherwise is to ignore historical fact.

It is fascinating to read history and analyze the opinions and observations of key figures. This is one of the reasons I oppose banning books: diversity in education matters. Understanding all sides of an issue is essential to seeing the full picture. Exposure to a wide range of perspectives, even those we may find uncomfortable, is crucial for intellectual growth. The broader our understanding, the greater our capacity for critical thinking and empathy.

To reduce a person to their origins, appearance, or traditions is to deny their full humanity. True understanding requires openness, respect, and a recognition of the richness found in human difference. Each of us is a unique blend of virtues and flaws.

In the end, Tocqueville’s analysis reveals both the brilliance and the blind spots of 19th-century European intellectuals. While he identified democracy’s strengths and weaknesses with remarkable foresight, his treatment of race often reflected the prejudices of his era.

Although I initially approached this book seeking insight into the origins of our democratic system, and I certainly gained that, what I did not anticipate was how much it would teach me about the nature of humanity across time and place.

Featured photo by Edward Ortiz

66 thoughts on “Book Review: Democracy In America”

  1. Such a thorough review of what was undoubtedly a heavy read. As always, your reviews are balanced and have provided me with enough material to get this book for my library. Not the first time, Edward.
    Thank you for sharing. Gonna order my copy this morning.
    This – “but the wound thus inflicted upon humanity, though less extensive, was at the same time rendered far more difficult to cure.”
    He was right about that for sure.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you very much, Nigel. You’re absolutely right about that. Aside from his biases, he saw many things very accurately, and I was very impressed with the level of detail he presented in the book, sometimes too much.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I enjoy a heavy read most days. So im sure this will give me much to ponder for a while. And I appreciate writers who go into detail about a subject matter. Allows the reader room to arrive at their own conclusions

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  2. He reflected the attitudes of the times. And France was certainly not guiltless when it came to slavery in the Caribbean and dealing with indigenous people in Canada. And I believe it was a French philosopher, Rousseau, who coined the term, “noble savage.” I’m a Mayflower descendent. I’ve found no evidence that my ancestors owned slaves in New England. And the first generation of Mayflower survivors developed good relations with the Native Americans. It was succeeding generations that became greedy and demanded more land. My ancestors fought on both sides during the American Revolution. The Royalists were forced to flee to Canada after the revolution and returned to America later on. They are known in Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Furthermore, the people on the Mayflower had a charter from King George III to settle in America. They were not here “illegally.” Britain, France, and Spain had already claimed territory in America. The American character has been shaped largely by the Puritans who settled in New England, the Irish, Scotch, and Welsh who settled in the South, and post-Civil War pioneers who escaped to the West. Right or wrong, you cannot change history. Attempts to erase it are foolish. De Tocqueville did recognize that when you “democratize” everything that it tends to become mediocre, as we have seen happen in modern times, because quality is given up for quantity. Standards are lowered to accommodate everybody. Excellent post, Edward!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Dawn, thank you very much for your comment, and I agree with all of it. The John Adams biography I’m reading goes into great detail about the differences between New Englanders and others in the North and the South regarding slavery. It also touches on the relationship with Native Americans, where debates about what to do with them were constant. Slavery has a long history, with France, Britain, Spain, Portugal, and other European countries using it to expand their domains in the “New World.”

      Like

      Reply

  3. After much thought, all I can say is this, Edward … I’m aware that racism has existed forever in history. That, by no means excuses it. On three separate occasions, many years ago, my travels took me to places where, as a white, North American female, I was definitely in the minority. I had first hand experience with what it might feel like to be in a minority race. I felt fearful, anxious, and more than a bit unsettled and unsafe. After each of those brief experiences, I couldn’t help but wonder how it must be to feel that way every day of life. I can’t begin to imagine it. I just always hope that these experiences gave me enough empathy to feel connected with my fellow human beings, regardless of their race and/or religion.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Terry, thank you so much for this comment and for sharing your thoughts. I think what you said at the end is profound. Finding ways to connect with our fellow humans is essential for a healthy society. I personally believe that we can achieve this connection through direct, human-to-human experiences, by visiting other places when possible or sometimes by reading books and educating ourselves on the subject. It’s about trying to understand and reconcile any thoughts or feelings we may have. The key is making the effort to understand, show empathy, and be willing to adjust our worldview. I know my perspective changed after traveling to the Middle East and experiencing the culture firsthand. Isolating ourselves and believing we are better than others is definitely not the way to go.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  4. Hi, Ed. I read this post. It is a lot to process. I have to say that based on what’s happening now and this information, I believe democracy is in jeopardy. I believe Trump’s ultimate goal here is to strip all the power of the people and hold it for himself. The revenge tactics, the inhumane treatment of others, and positioning people in a position of perpetual need is beyond me. I won’t expound further because I would like to do more reading. But my thoughts so far. As always, a provocative read.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. I hear you, Sandra. Chaos seems to be the order of the day. Not sure what the end goal is, but a lot of people are making money out of this chaotic situation. Thank you for reading and commenting, my friend.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Lol…I can’t help but comment. Your content is very provocative. It make you seriously think about current issues. The comments help us to know we are touching the hearts of our readers. That’s what I am grateful for.

        Liked by 2 people

        Reply

  5. Well, Edward, glad you took on this “light summer reading”! 😉 Very impressed at your self directed continuing education. Your comments on de Tocqueville and on our democracy are well observed. Glad you summed up well his failings due to prejudice. So repugnant to read or hear racist remarks especially those based on false conceptions about the people from another culture’s intelligence and values. Thanks for inspiring a lively discussion at dinner last night! We talked about democracy and how personality seems to attract more votes than intellect a lot of the time. Eagle made an interesting point that perhaps smarter people make decisions slowly because they take a long time weighing all the options, making them less effective politicians. That could be true.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you, my friend. My “light summer reading” is giving me some headaches, as I’m working through Volume 2 of the John Adams biography, but I’m having fun. I’m glad the subject inspired some good conversation last night, and I think Eagle has a point. It seems that certain personalities, with their rushed and unwise decisions, are capitalizing on the short attention span that’s so prevalent nowadays.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. I am always impressed by your penchant for lifelong learning, Edward – what an example you set and diving into Tocqueville’s book is so very admirable. As others have said, it’s fascinating to take it all in (thank you so much for your summary and overview of key elements) and consider the time, the place of the writing and then reflect upon our present-day circumstances. Love learning from you, Edward!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, my friend. It’s good to reflect on the worldview of those who came before us and consider how things have changed over time to the present. Sometimes I wonder if we need to change our system, but then I’m reminded that we are a resilient country, and we will find our way back to the moral principles that make this country great.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. I feel exactly the same. Our system and principles are in place and will stand the test of time and we will…we must…find our way back. Encouraging posts and perspectives like yours help to keep me on track, feeling positive and hopeful. Thank you, Edward! 💕

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

  7. Fascinating post, Edward. I’m taken by this thought, “Both parties of the Americans were, in fact, agreed upon the most essential points; and neither of them had to destroy a traditional constitution, or to overthrow the structure of society, in order to ensure its own triumph.” I would think that is still the case that we are agreed upon the most essential points but it’s hard to see that these days.

    Like Jane, I like the quote on page 230. “On my arrival in the United States I was surprised to find so much distinguished talent among the subjects, and so little among the heads of the Government. ” Hmm – how interesting!

    Thank you for the thoughtful review and thought-provoking post! Well done, my friend!

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. There are a lot of strange dynamics nowadays. It seems like most politicians are doing whatever it takes to stay in their positions in Congress. Of course, there are always exceptions, those who are doing the right thing but are being forced to retire, but we are definitely moving in the wrong direction. The legislative branch is supposed to be equal to the executive branch, but the majority are operating in a fearful mode and appear subordinate to the executive. I hope that changes in the near future and that we can get back to how things are supposed to be. But of course, we need to do something about what he said on page 230. Thank you, my friend.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  8. Thank you for your thought-provoking discussion of Alexis de Tocqueville’s book. His insights into leadership and govenment seem to be limited to white men of European extraction. I remember studying him in college, but we read excerpts of his work. I don’t remember any discussion of his biases against indiginous peoples, including those who were captured and sold into slavery. I agree that it’s important to be educated in a wide range of of thoughts and events, even–or should I say especially–those that make us uncomfortable. I’ve always been grateful when my assumptions are questioned.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. You’re welcome, Liz. I had some basic knowledge about Tocqueville, but like you, I don’t remember anyone mentioning his biases. The first time I heard about that was when the friend I mentioned in the post told me she wanted to hear my take on that part of the book. It’s interesting how that side of him doesn’t come to light when the book is discussed, at least not on a superficial level. I’m sure others who know his work more deeply have had those discussions.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

    1. I know, it’s kind of crazy. He observed that most officials at the town and county level didn’t receive any pay while carrying out their duties in support of their communities. At least that has changed.

      Like

      Reply

  10. Thank you for doing the heavy lifting for us, Edward. Reading books like this is like gold mining, a ton of work to dig through it all to find the treasures.

    When we read older books, the authors’ voices reflect the overall thoughts of the time, as you say. I’ve found that in my own books. I see things and forget that is how I used to think. Sadly, our attitude and ideals on equality, justice, and differences continue to barely eek forward and often take huge backward strides.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. You’re welcome, my friend. Sadly, the last part of your comment is spot on. I know we’re all a bunch of imperfect people, but I can’t believe that we’re unable to find common ground when it comes to equality and justice.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  11. Thank you for choosing another great book to share with us, Edward.
    On one hand, it’s amazing how a book as old as Alexis de Tocqueville’s reflects on so much of what the democracy in America is going through today. But on the other hand, it’s not too surprising as we continually fail to learn about the past and equip ourselves in ways to do better for the future.
    I appreciate your analysis. You highlighted so many important points.
    This: “the nation was divided between two opinions—two opinions which are as old as the world… the one tending to limit, the other to extend indefinitely, the power of the people”. This is so true of our 2-party system, one extreme to the other.
    And this: “On my arrival in the United States I was surprised to find so much distinguished talent among the subjects, and so little among the heads of the Government. It is a well-authenticated fact that at the present day the most able men in the United States are very rarely placed at the head of affairs.” America’s best and brightest are not working in government or in front of TV cameras. They’re working behind the scenes getting things done, instead of loudly bragging about it and filling their bank accounts.
    As you presented us with Tocqueville’s racial bias, I had to look at myself and wonder ‘What biases am I holding that I’m unaware of? Are they obvious to others, but not to me?’…

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. You’re so welcome, Rose. I wish we had more talented people running Congress and government as a whole, and definitely in front of the TV cameras. I’m finding that there are a lot of talented journalists covering the news in the top newspapers. Your question about bias is a great one. I know I’m working through mine, and my travels to the Middle East have helped me with many of them. I think visiting other cultures and keeping an open mind is key. Thank you for taking the time to read my review.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. Thank you for the review, Edward and for your dedication to substantive reading and informative sharing. It will take me some time to read and process your post in its entirety, and being familiar with your text selection and thoughtful analysis it will be time well spent. 🙏🏻

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

      1. Thanks again for your detailed highlights.

        This passage stood out to me:

        “On my arrival in the United States I was surprised to find so much distinguished talent among the subjects, and so little among the heads of the Government. It is a well-authenticated fact that at the present day the most able men in the United States are very rarely placed at the head of affairs.” (p. 230)

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

        1. You’re very welcome, Michele, and… it still holds true in 2025. I suppose that between solving world hunger and urging sports teams to change their names, name changes somehow became the top priority. 🤦🏻‍♂️

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

  13. This sounds like a great book to put on my never ending list! You have reviewed the book well, and peaked out interest.

    It is amazing that someone such a long time ago, could see things that our current politicians can’t.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. I know, I thought the same thing. But again, I think they see what’s happening and are leaving things as they are for their political advantage, which is sad because people are trusting them to do the right and moral thing while in office.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  14. When there is discrimination of race, democracy is somehow biased. Only with equanimity can the power of the people be accurately calibrated. As you said in your review, the book seems to express more the nuances of society back then than the weight of democracy itself. A very comprehensive review, Edward. Thank you for making it short for me, as I would hardly read this book. Lots of light and blessings to you, my friend; have a beautiful day 🙏✨

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. You’re welcome, Susana. You’re absolutely right about that. I know, as humans, we have our own biases, but it’s necessary to work through them and improve our worldview in order to have a true democracy, free from any discrimination.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. Truly a great analysis, Edward and kudos for plowing through the whole book. You truly found some gems and some areas that are lacking and to be able to pull them apart was helpful for your readers.
    My favorite paragraph was this “To reduce a person to their origins, appearance, or traditions is to deny their full humanity. True understanding requires openness, respect, and a recognition of the richness found in human difference. Each of us is a unique blend of virtues and flaws.”

    That is the foundation of truth. It still seems he was further ahead with his assessments than we are now.
    Thanks for your contacts and comparisons drawn!
    🩷👍🙏

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. You’re welcome, my friend. “Plowing through the whole book” is a great description. Most of his assessments about government and the political parties were spot-on and still amazingly relevant.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

        1. Absolutely! I’m reading a biography about John Adams, and the founding fathers were adamant about improving our democratic system. Not sure why it’s going so wrong. Maybe it’s cyclical, and this will pass, better days may be ahead. At least that’s my hope.

          Like

          Reply

  16. Bravo, Edward. Thank you for taking the time to collect & type the thoughts and share them with us. This will send me down a few rabbit holes. I already have a few wikipedia pages bookmarked.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  17. This is a deeply thoughtful and well-articulated reflection on Democracy in America. You’ve done an excellent job of engaging with Tocqueville’s work critically—acknowledging the enduring relevance of his political insights while also addressing the significant racial biases that reflect the limitations of his time.

    Your discussion of implicit, explicit, and systemic bias is particularly compelling, and your ability to situate Tocqueville’s observations within both historical and contemporary frameworks adds real depth to your analysis. I also appreciate your strong stance on the importance of reading widely, even when the material is uncomfortable. That kind of intellectual openness is essential for genuine understanding and growth.

    This is a meaningful contribution to ongoing conversations about democracy, race, and the role of education in shaping civic awareness.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

  19. For absolutely priceless insights about humanity across time and space, in a most entertaining and easy to read format, too, read The Egyptian. Some of the general reactions to actions you and I would consider basically humane really make one step back and say, “Well, that explains a lot…”

    I’m going to forward a couple of your quotes, with grateful mention 🙏

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    1. Absolutely! It’s incredible how worldviews are formed over time within each individual, often without any examination. Prejudice gets passed down generation after generation, without regard for the consequences. Thank you, my friend.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  20. Thank you for this thoughtful, thorough, and well written piece, Edward. I was compelled to read your review from start to finish. I needed some time with my own thoughts before replying, and at the end of the day, I decided that I need even more time to process the multitude of thoughts I have around the book, the author, and your take on it all. I’ll perhaps digest it for a day or two and then come back to it.

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply

    1. You’re very welcome, Terry. It took me two months to work through this, so I totally understand. Thank you for reading and I’m looking forward to your additional comments.

      Like

      Reply

  22. First of all, Edward, I applaud you for reading your way through this time from so long ago. The only thoughts I’ll share are:

    1. It would appear that he was dead on with his quote from p. 230, and,
    2. I couldn’t even bring myself to keep reading your summaries of his observations on slavery and indigenous peoples; it is vile beyond belief. I do understand that this was the way Europeans felt at that time, may God forgive them – or not – but I can’t read it. I don’t know how you got through it.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. I thought the same thing when I read that quote. I guess it’s in this country’s DNA. Yeah, his comments about Native and African Americans were really tough, and I left out the worst ones. I had to stop a few times and take a break just to work through that. Thank you, Jane, for reading and commenting.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a reply to ZeroSpace Cancel reply