"The greatest danger that threatens modern nations is the indifference of the majority to the public interest."

"I do not know what to say of a society which, after having created a magnificent civilization, seems to be on the point of destroying itself by its own hands."

"I have seen in America the most perfect equality of conditions that can be imagined; and I have also seen the most profound inequalities."

"The Americans have a great taste for physical gratifications. They are always seeking to procure them, and they are never satisfied."

"I think that the most important thing for a nation is to have a good government, even if it is a despotic one."