The quote in question is "<em>If we look to the history of other nations, ancient or modern, we find no example of a growth so rapid, so gigantic, of a people so prosperous and happy. In contemplating what we have still to perform, the heart of every citizen must expand with joy when he reflects how near our Government has approached to perfection</em>"
<u>James Monroe was talking about national pride Americans should feel because of the growth of the nation. </u>
<u>He speaks of the joy citizens feel when they reflect the success of the Government that is near to the perfect, which means he wants to say to his people that they should feel pride at their nation and Government. </u>
