The first who attracts the eye, the first in enlightenment, in power and in happiness, is the white man, the European, man par excellence; below him appear the Negro and the Indian. These two unfortunate races have neither birth, nor face, nor language, nor mores in common; only their misfortunes look alike. Both occupy an equally inferior position in the country that they inhabit; both experience the effects of tyranny; and if their miseries are different, they can accuse the same author for them.

I have seen Americans making great and sincere sacrifices for the key common good and a hundred times I have noticed that, when needs be, they almost always gave each other faithful support

It is far more important to resist apathy than anarchy or despotism, for apathy can give rise, almost indifferently, to either one.

If there ever are great revolutions there, they will be caused by the presence of the blacks upon American soil.

The position of the Americans is quite exceptional, and it may be believed that no democratic people will ever be placed in a similar one.

Democratic nations care but little for what has been, but they are haunted by visions of what will be.

Consider any individual at any period of his life, and you will always find him preoccupied with fresh plans to increase his comfort. Do not talk to him about the interests and rights of the human race; that little private business of his for the moment absorbs all his thoughts, and he hopes that public disturbances can be put off to some other time.