Revealing as these biographies are, sometimes outsiders can see American traits even more clearly than we see them ourselves.

Most of them depict American national traits that Russians adore and respect.

Impatience, another American trait, in this case may be a virtue.

Unfailing optimism is a splendid and very American trait.

Inventiveness has always been viewed as a peculiarly American trait.

Inafune also considered giving him American traits, but decided upon influences from Russia instead.

You could also make a case that a reverence for know-how is a peculiarly American trait.

Prudery, she figured, is a deeply-rooted American trait that has little to do with art.

It singles out the old and blames them for a common American trait.

It may be an American trait to insist that something new and good must always be seen to emerge from evil.