The United States of America is a country with strong beliefs. Yet for centuries, despite our resolute opinions and insistence that we are a “civilized” society, we have paid little attention to key schools of philosophy. This is part of Alexis de Tocqueville’s assertion that while we act within a set of cultural rules, we have done very little to challenge or discuss what our core values actually are. We rely instead on the self, and the “indefinite perfectibility” of man – the concept that we are capable of and should strive for unlimited progress.
Tocqueville first views the subject through the eyes of an aristocratic society that focuses instead on imperfectability. These older cultures claimed that while progress can be made, there are certain impassable limits. While humans are capable of improvement, they are not capable of serious change, for we have nearly, if not already, achieved our highest level of greatness.
Viewing this concept through a modern lens, we think it ridiculous to limit ourselves in such a way. When looking at progress made in the past several centuries, it is easy to recognize some of the advancements we have made. Though not every step forward is met with a solution to an issue, it is still a step forward. In this way, Tocqueville’s concept of perfectibility should remain upheld.
However, striving for …show more content…
Phrases like “Illimitable minds. Endless pursuits,” and “Great careers. Great lives,” are layered over a ghosted image of the Rotunda. These also reflect Tocqueville’s chapter on how Americans are restless with prosperity. “Great careers. Great lives” alludes to always moving on to the next great thing – from college to a job, and from there to leading the perfect life you desire. We know from indefinite perfectibility, though, that this perfect life is one we will never
Tocqueville first views the subject through the eyes of an aristocratic society that focuses instead on imperfectability. These older cultures claimed that while progress can be made, there are certain impassable limits. While humans are capable of improvement, they are not capable of serious change, for we have nearly, if not already, achieved our highest level of greatness.
Viewing this concept through a modern lens, we think it ridiculous to limit ourselves in such a way. When looking at progress made in the past several centuries, it is easy to recognize some of the advancements we have made. Though not every step forward is met with a solution to an issue, it is still a step forward. In this way, Tocqueville’s concept of perfectibility should remain upheld.
However, striving for …show more content…
Phrases like “Illimitable minds. Endless pursuits,” and “Great careers. Great lives,” are layered over a ghosted image of the Rotunda. These also reflect Tocqueville’s chapter on how Americans are restless with prosperity. “Great careers. Great lives” alludes to always moving on to the next great thing – from college to a job, and from there to leading the perfect life you desire. We know from indefinite perfectibility, though, that this perfect life is one we will never