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About this quote

What does it mean?
Even when society pushes for equality, personal pride creates new inequalities for personal gain.
In plain terms
Pride causes people to create inequality despite equalizing forces.
What can you take from it?
Watch for self‑interest undermining egalitarian goals.

Where it applies

  • workplace promotions
  • political reforms

Putting it to work

  • design merit‑based incentives
  • monitor power imbalances

Questions to consider

  • How can societies limit pride‑driven inequality?
  • What mechanisms balance personal ambition and equality?

Another view

Some inequalities may arise unintentionally, not just from pride.

More from Alexis de Tocqueville

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  3. He was as great as a man can be without morality.

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