Essay 90: Honor In The United States And In Democratic Societies (Vol. 2 Pt. 3 Ch. 18)
Essay Read by Constituting America Founder, Actress Janine Turner
The essays in our study reference the following edition of Democracy In America: University of Chicago Press – 1st edition translated by Harvey Mansfield and Delba Winthrop. Today’s essay references pages 589 – 599 (stop at chapter 19 heading) of this edition of Democracy in America.
During his nine month tour of America, De Tocqueville analyzed the virtue of honor and how it strengthens a democratic society. He observed, “honor…rules the will more than belief….” It towers over the mortal human, infusing the spirit with energy and purpose. He reminds us that all people are united by their quest for honor: “The human race feels permanent and general needs that have given birth to moral laws; all men have naturally attached in all places and all times the ideas of blame and of shame to the nonobservance of them.” The pursuit for honor evolves, but it remains a potent force which beckons constantly to all people as they strive “to do good.”
Focusing his attention on honor in the antebellum South during his 1831 visit, De Tocqueville attempts to dissect honor in the relationship between slave owners and enslaved people. Tensions and pressures are spewing worth as ethnic groups interact. He tells us, “to debauch a girl of color hardly harms the reputation of an American; to marry her dishonors him.” Omitted, unfortunately, is concern for the debauched female’s predicament but clearly defined is the preservation of the southern elite’s position of personal honor. His honor must always be maintained.
Our visitor ventures into questions of “feudal honor” during the Middle Ages. Since “national power” did not exist in the Middle Ages, power and honor were intertwined. The lord, with his military strength, was the source of power and authority, possessing the unquestioned allegiance of his people. The lord was supreme, demanding “fidelity to the political chief.” To disobey or question the lord’s dictates was dishonorable. Such gestures of independence were not tolerated. Unity of purpose is required.
De Tocqueville detects remnants of this European honor code in America. He comments, “One still encounters, scattered among the opinions of all Americans, some notions taken from the old aristocratic honor of Europe.” He labels this characteristic: “American honor.” He sees its foundation rooted in commerce, industry, trade, and economic activity. It “distinguishes the American people from all others.” He explains this vitality by writing, “passion for wealth… is honored” in America because it illustrates the importance of entrepreneurship.
During his time in America, De Tocqueville asserts that the United States is “full of inexhaustible resources.” If a person falls victim to bankruptcy or unwise economic ventures, failure is only momentary because the quest for honor and success can be regained. This quest regroups and resumes even if it temporarily stumbles. The key ingredient, in De Tocqueville’s view, is that “everyone works and work leads to everything.” He notes that in America potential success is aided through mobility: “[t]hat has turned around the point of honor and directed it against idleness.” People should not hesitate as they surge forward.
De Tocqueville concludes his analysis by commenting that in aristocracies honor is stagnant because social ranks are stagnant and do not allow movement. In America, “ranks are mixed, privileges are abolished.” This quality energizes honor, making it fluid, and fuels numerous opportunities for unlimited success in the United States.
Dr. Edward Lee is a 40 year veteran of the university classroom. He has won several awards for his exemplary teaching, including a Presidential Citation in 1996 for his pioneer work with distance education. He is the author or co-author of 21 books, including 4 about America and the conflict in Vietnam. His commentary has appeared on Fox News, CNN, NBC News, and National Public Radio.
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Hello! I’m Janine Turner, founder of Constituting America!
“He notes that in America, potential success is aided through mobility: “[t]hat has turned around the point of honor and directed it against idleness.” (598). People should not hesitate as they surge forward.”
I think this section of Dr Lee’s essay and De Tocqueville’s words reflect the aspect that makes Americans soar: the American work ethic. What are your thoughts about the American work ethic?