And in contrast to this generalizing quote, we can contrast the lengthy & famous passages in de Tocqueville's Democracy in America (written during his visit in a period where presumably 'the concepts of democracy and citizenship are [not] weakening') where he marvels at how ordinary Americans are always volunteering, always starting new charities, always participating in citizen-staffed organizations, for every possible problem and cause, in considerable contrast to his native France, and claims this is a cause of the success of democracy in America.