Alexis de Tocqueville — "I am not afraid of the storm, for I am learning how to sail my ship."

"The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults."

"I have always believed that the most important thing for a nation is to have a strong government, even if it is not a free one."

"I do not say that the Americans are more religious than other people; but I say that they have a greater respect for religion."

"The Americans are a very peculiar people; they have a way of doing things which is entirely their own."

"I do not know if the people of the United States are better than the people of other countries; but I know that they are more virtuous."