Envy is the central fact of American life.

That loyal retainer of the Chase Manhattan Bank, the American president.

Whenever a friend succeeds, a little something in me dies.

I didn't mean to spend my life writing American history, which should have been taught in the schools, but I saw no alternative but to taking it on myself. I could think of a lot of cheerier things I'd rather be doing than analyzing George Washington and Aaron Burr. But it came to pass, that was my job, so I did it.

Americans, in general, are ignorant, bigoted, and deeply unhappy with their declining incomes.

No sooner does an American president take his oath of office than the speculation begins: Will he be reelected in four years' time? If not, who will succeed him? A member of his own party? The other party?