Abstract

With the phrase, “Make America Great Again,” the topic of greatness has reentered our political discourse. But what role, if any, should greatness play in a democratic society? Conventionally understood, greatness involves exceptional individuals and exemplary deeds. I argue that Alexis de Tocqueville, despite his laments for aristocratic society, maintains that such a form of greatness has no place in democratic society. Rather, carefully distinguishing aristocratic greatness from freedom and virtue, he contends that democratic society has its own distinct form of greatness which is grounded in its justice. This justice is rooted in equality, especially equal political rights, and depends not upon exemplary deeds but rather small sacrifices by everyday citizens. Greatness without justice, rather than strengthening democratic society, indulges a harmful, egotistical pride Tocqueville sees as already common in democratic society and harms it by denigrating these small sacrifices. Greatness with justice, in contrast, recognizes their irreplaceable value.

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