I loathe the expression What makes him tick. It is the American mind, looking for simple and singular solution, that uses the foolish expression. A person not only ticks, he also chimes and strikes the hour, falls and breaks and has to be put together again, and sometimes stops like an electric clock in a thunderstorm.

Summary

In this quote, the author expresses their disdain for the phrase "What makes him tick." They criticize the American inclination to seek simple and singular explanations for people's behavior. The author argues that individuals are complex entities that not only function, but also experience various emotions and challenges. Comparisons are made to clocks: people not only tick but also chime, break, require repairing, and sometimes even come to a complete halt. This quote emphasizes the multifaceted nature of individuals and cautions against oversimplifying their complexities.