The superficiality of the American is the result of his hustling. It needs leisure to think things out; it needs leisure to mature. People in a hurry cannot think, cannot grow, nor can they decay. They are preserved in a state of perpetual puerility.

Summary

This quote suggests that the superficial nature often associated with Americans is a direct consequence of their constant hustle and lack of leisure time. The speaker argues that genuine thinking and personal growth require a certain level of leisure and reflection, which is difficult to achieve when one is always in a hurry. The idea is that people who are constantly rushing and busy are unable to fully mature or contemplate deeply, ultimately preventing them from progressing emotionally or intellectually. Instead, they remain stagnant and trapped in a state of immaturity.

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