"Imagine a vast sheet of paper on which straight Lines, Triangles, Squares, Pentagons, Hexagons, and other figures, instead of remaining fixed in their places, move freely about, on or in the surface, but without the power of rising above or sinking below it, very much like shadows — only hard and with luminous edges — and you will then have a pretty correct notion of my country and countrymen."

Stories of the day:

• Obama's 'Four more years' victory photo already the most retweeted and liked of all time
• Exclusive: Microsoft Office for iPhone, iPad, and Android revealed
• Nintendo details Wii U network ID system

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