What a baneful
and degrading state of things! And how natural that, while it
lasts, France should be full of a people without a position,
without a calling, who do not know what to do with themselves, but
are none the less eager to envy and malign every one who does....
"The French do not possess in any very marked degree the qualities
required to render general conscription acceptable, or to turn it
to account. Conceited and egotistic as they are, the people would
object to an innovation whose invigorating force they are unable
to comprehend, and which cannot be carried out without virtues
which they do not possess--self-abnegation, conscientious
recognition of duty, and a willingness to sacrifice personal
interests to the loftier demands of the country. As the character
of individuals is only improved by experience, most nations
require a chastisement before they set about reorganising their
political institutions. So Prussia wanted a Jena to make her the
strong and healthy country she is."
(8) Yet even in De Tocqueville's benevolent nature, there was a
pervading element of impatience. In the very letter in which the
above passage occurs, he says: "Some persons try to be of use to
men while they despise them, and others because they love them.
In the services rendered by the first, there is always something
incomplete, rough, and contemptuous, that inspires neither
confidence nor gratitude.
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