“Nothing is more wonderful than the art of being free, but nothing is harder to learn how to use than freedom.”
Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America
Title: Democracy in America
Author: Alexis de Tocqueville
Genres: Non-fiction, History, Politics, Classics, Philosophy, Essays
Length: 33 hrs, 17 mins (Audiobook)
Published: January 31st, 1835
My Rating: ★★★★
Read: 6/28/2022 – 7/13/2022
Review:
This was an interesting read given it was originally published in 1835. It offers an impartial point of view of life and politics in America at that time. The array of topics, issues, benefits, ways of life, etc. discussed is seemingly endless. That being said… it was a very long book. I found some parts more interesting than others. Some are even prophetic. I started off strong but got bored by the end. Still, it was an enjoyable read for what it was. I didn’t go into it expecting to be entertained.
Likes & Dislikes
What I liked:
- The topics were well-organized and specifically labeled.
- It was legitimately impartial. That’s a rare find in modern-day politics.
- Well-researched.
What I didn’t like:
- It was extremely long-winded. I knew it would be, but I still found myself tuning out often.
- Repetitive in places.
Afterthoughts:
This book wouldn’t have been on my radar if a priest at church hadn’t quoted it in one of his homilies. The subject of religion is touched upon quite a bit in this book, but as with everything else, it is impartial. As someone who likes to get both sides of the story, I appreciated the total neutrality. Admittedly, I was a little nervous picking up a political book as I like to distance myself from those subjects when I read. It helped having nearly two-hundred years between the publication and now.