The more, indeed, that De Tocqueville saw of the
world and of practical life, the more convinced he became of the
necessity of healthy domestic conditions for a man's growth in
virtue and goodness. (11) Especially did he regard marriage as of
inestimable importance in regard to a man's true happiness; and he
was accustomed to speak of his own as the wisest action of his
life. "Many external circumstances of happiness," he said, "have
been granted to me. But more than all, I have to thank Heaven for
having bestowed on me true domestic happiness, the first of human
blessings. As I grow older, the portion of my life which in my
youth I used to look down upon, every day becomes more important
in my eyes, and would now easily console me for the loss of all
the rest." And again, writing to his bosom-friend, De Kergorlay,
he said: "Of all the blessings which God has given to me, the
greatest of all in my eyes is to have lighted on Marie. You
cannot imagine what she is in great trials. Usually so gentle,
she then becomes strong and energetic. She watches me without my
knowing it; she softens, calms, and strengthens me in difficulties
which disturb ME, but leave her serene." (12) In another letter he
says: "I cannot describe to you the happiness yielded in the long
run by the habitual society of a woman in whose soul all that is
good in your own is reflected naturally, and even improved.
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