Alexis de Tocqueville and Gustave de Beaumont in America: Their Friendship and Their Travels, ed. Olivier Zunz, trans. Arthur Goldhammer (Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2010)

Excerpt:

From Tocqueville To Charles Stoffels

Paris, November 4, 1830

… My position in France is bad in every respect, at least to my way of seeing, for either this government will consolidate its position, which is not very likely, or it will be brought down.

In the first case, my situation will remain rather disagreeable for some time.  I do not wish for advancement, because to do so would be to tie myself to men whose intentions I find suspect.  So my role would be that of an obscure assistant judge, confined a narrow sphere and with no way to make my reputation.  If I attempt to oppose the government from within the justice ministry, I will be denied even the honor of dismissal. They’ll be pleased to shut me up by preventing me from working in the courts.  If I support these people, I will be acting in a manner inconsistent with both my principles and my position.  Thus I will have no choice but to remain neutral, the most pitiful role one can possibly play, especially when one occupies a lower rank.  What is more, the future remains so murky that it is impossible to decide which party’s ultimate victory one ought to favor in the country’s interest.

Online:
Amazon