I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers - and it was not there . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . . . in her rich mines and her vast world commerc - and it was not there . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution - and it vas not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great. - Alexis de Toqueville (attributed) * *Note: This quote is disputed in regards to whether it actually comes from de Toqueville or not. It seems to not be found in Democracy in America or any of his writings. Part of it shows up attributed to de Toqueville in a book from 1941 (long after de Toqueville's death), but where that source acquired the quote is unknown.