Quote by Alexis de Tocqueville
The Americans never use the word peasant, because they have no idea of the class which that term denotes; the ignorance of more remote ages, the simplicity of rural life, and the rusticity of the villager have not been preserved among them; and they are alike unacquainted with the virtues, the vices, the coarse habits, and the simple graces of an early stage of civilization.
Summary
This quote suggests that Americans do not commonly use the term "peasant" because they lack a historical understanding of the social class it represents. The author argues that Americans have not preserved the knowledge of past societies, the simplicity of rural living, or the rustic qualities of village life. As a result, they are unfamiliar with the characteristics, both positive and negative, associated with an early stage of civilization. The quote implies that Americans are disconnected from the virtues, vices, coarse habits, and humble charms that define a simpler, more traditional way of life.
Topics
Class
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