Let a man find himself, in distinction from others, on top of two wheels with a chain -- at least in a poor country like Russia -- and his vanity begins to swell out like his tires. In America it takes an automobile to produce this effect.

Summary

This quote implies that owning a bicycle in a poor country like Russia can boost a person's ego, as there may be a sense of superiority from owning such a luxury item. In contrast, the quote suggests that in wealthier countries like America, it takes the ownership of a car to achieve a similar effect on one's vanity. The quote highlights how material possessions can have a significant influence on people's self-perception and status, even in different societal contexts.

Topics