America is a nation with no truly national city, no Paris, no Rome, no London, no city which is at once the social center, the political capital, and the financial hub.

Summary

This quote suggests that unlike other countries with cities that serve as the social, political, and financial center, America does not have a single city that fulfills all these roles. There is no distinct "national city" like Paris, Rome, or London that embodies all aspects of nationhood. Instead, America's power, influence, and culture are dispersed across different cities, each with its own focus and significance. This decentralization may reflect the diverse nature of America, with various cities acting as key contributors to its overall identity and functioning.

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