“The second thing that strikes a visitor is the joyous, positive attitude to life. The smile on the faces of the people in photographs is symbolical of one of the greatest assets of the American. He is friendly, self-confident, optimistic—and without envy. The European finds intercourse with Americans easy and agreeable.”
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Probable attribution
A source trail connects this quotation to Albert Einstein and Ideas and Opinions, but the exact English wording has not been confirmed in a primary text. The attribution is therefore probable rather than definitive.
Likely origin: Ideas and Opinions
About this quote
This page records the wording "The second thing that strikes a visitor is the joyous,…," which centers on second, thing, strikes. A concrete trail points toward Einstein, but the exact English form remains unconfirmed; the page therefore labels it as attributed to him while preserving its friendship and happiness context.
When to use it
- Use "The second thing that strikes a visitor is the joyous,…" in a friendship discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of second with thing in a lesson, essay, or editorial note before drawing a conclusion.
- Before sharing it as Einstein's exact words, display the attribution caveat and follow the evidence link recorded on the page.