Tocqueville's America - and Ours

In this season of Vital Remnants, John Wilsey joins host and McConnell Center Director Gary Gregg, in an exploration of Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America. Together they walk through both volumes of this classic text, putting it in context but also exploring it’s implications for America in the 21st century.

“Tocqueville’s understanding of America and what makes democracy work here is vital for us to grapple with in the 21st century. His questions are our questions and his answers provide uncomfortable wisdom for a struggling nation," said Gregg. 

Our reading guide points to key passages in the text, provides questions to consider and links to the companion podcast episode.

Listen:

Episodes are free and available on Libsyn, Google Podcasts, Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

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Episode 6.1: Alexis de Tocqueville in Space and Time with Dr. John Wilsey

Episode 6.2: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | Getting Going

Episode 6.3: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | Townships

Episode 6.4: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | The Judiciary

Episode 6.5: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | The Press

Episode 6.6: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | The Dangerous Majority

Episode 6.7: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | Religion and Race

Episode 6.8: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | Prescient Mind

Episode 6.9: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | Is There an American Mind?

Episode 6.10: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | Associations and Self Interest

Episode 6.11: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | Spiritualism and Work

Episode 6.12: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | Sanity, Religion & Politics

Episode 6.13: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | Family and the Role of Women

Episode 6.14: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | Honor, Patriotism & Pugnacity

Episode 6.15: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | Equality and Free Institutions

Episode 6.16: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | A Fortnight in the Wilderness

Episode 6.17: Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America | Final Thoughts