never on the earth of man has he lived so tidily as here
amidst such psychological disorder.
nowhere has any people set itself a moral code so rigid
while applying it so flexibly. 

 in no other country is such great wealth acquired so purposefully
put to such small purpose.

never has any people driven itself so resolutely
toward such diverse goals,
to derive so little satisfaction
from attainment of any.

never has any people been so outwardly confident
that god is on its side, 
while being so inwardly terrified
lest he be not.


nelson algren