Born often under another sky, placed in the middle of an always moving scene, himself driven by the irresistible torrent which draws all about him, the American has no time to tie himself to anything, he grows accustomed only to change, and ends by regarding it as the natural state of man. He feels the need of it, more he loves it; for the instability; instead of meaning disaster to him, seems to give birth only to miracles all about him.

It is odd to watch with what feverish ardour Americans pursue prosperity, ever tormented by the shadowy suspicion that they might not have chosen the shortest route to get it. They cleave to the things of this world as if assured they will never die, and yet rush to snatch any that comes within their reach, as if they expected to stop living before relishing them. Death steps in, in the end, and stops them, before they have grown tired of this futile pursuit of that complete felicity which always escapes them.

It must not be forgotten that it is especially dangerous to enslave men in the minor details of life.

At the head of any new undertaking where in France you would find the government, or in England some great lord, in the United States you are sure to find an association.

Consider any individual at any period of his life, and you will always find him preoccupied with fresh plans to increase his comfort.

I have only one passion, the love of liberty and human dignity.

I see no clear reason why the doctrine of self-interest properly understood should turn men away from religious beliefs.