No sovereign, no court, no personal loyalty, no aristocracy, no church, no clergy, no army, no diplomatic service, no country gentlemen, no palaces, no castles, nor manors, nor old country-houses, nor parsonages, nor thatched cottages nor ivied ruins; no cathedrals, nor abbeys, nor little Norman churches; no great Universities nor public schools -- no Oxford, nor Eton, nor Harrow; no literature, no novels, no museums, no pictures, no political society, no sporting class -- no Epsom nor Ascot! Some such list as that might be drawn up of the absent things in American life.

Summary

This quote highlights the absence of traditional structures and institutions in American life. It mentions various elements such as sovereignty, courts, loyalty, aristocracy, church, army, and more, that are typically associated with European cultures. Furthermore, it alludes to the lack of historical landmarks, cultural heritage, and social strata that are prevalent in countries with long-established traditions. The quote sheds light on the distinctiveness of American society, its focus on individualism, and the absence of structures deeply ingrained in European societies.