

Wed, Oct 04
|Zoom
Tocqueville, the man who understood democracy (in English)
“French-American Histories, one story, two narratives” is a program of curatorial talks launched by the Villa Albertine in collaboration with the Federation of Alliances Françaises USA. Each episode reveals a different facet of the vibrant French-American tapestry, through interviews with leading sc
Time & Location
Oct 04, 2023, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM PDT
Zoom
About the event
Alexis de Tocqueville, the famous French political thinker and historian, is widely regarded as a profound and insightful observer of democracy. Through his seminal work, “Democracy in America,” Tocqueville delved into the intricacies of American society, analyzing its strengths, challenges, and potential pitfalls. He recognized the delicate balance between individual liberty and the need for social cohesion, and he foresaw the potential dangers of majority tyranny and the erosion of democratic institutions. Tocqueville’s keen observations on the virtues and vulnerabilities of democracy, his emphasis on the importance of civil society, and his nuanced understanding of the complexities of human nature continue to resonate today. His work serves as a timeless guide, offering invaluable insights into the nature of democracy and providing a foundation for the ongoing exploration and improvement of democratic systems around the world.
Free to Alliance Francaise Members. Click here for more information and to register.
Join DOlivier Zunz is James Madison Professor of History at the University of Virginia and an internationally recognized expert on the life and work of Alexis de Tocqueville.