America is the land of the uncommon man. It is the land where man is free to
develop his genius—and to get its just rewards. It is the land where each man
tries to develop whatever quality he may possess and to rise to whatever degree
he can, great or modest. It is not the land where one glories or is taught to
glory in one’s mediocrity. No self-respecting man in America is or thinks of
himself as “little,” no matter how poor he may be. That, precisely, is the
difference between an American working man and a European serf.