“In the end, the state of the Union comes down to the character of the people. … I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, and it was not there. I sought for it in the fertile fields, and boundless prairies, and it was not there. I sought it in her rich mines, and vast world commerce, and it was not there. Not until I went into the church and saw the pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.”

— Alexis de Tocqueville
(1805-1859) French historian