The Constitution had not destroyed the distinct sovereignty of the States; and all communities, of whatever nature they may be, are impelled by a secret propensity to assert their independence. This propensity is still more decided in a country like America, in which every village forms a sort of republic accustomed to conduct its own affairs. It therefore cost the States an effort to submit to the federal supremacy; and all efforts, however successful they may be, necessarily subside with the causes in which they originated.英文原著 · 《Democracy In America-1》
Peter Stockmann. Yes, unfortunately, you do, without even being aware of it. You have a restless, pugnacious, rebellious disposition. And then there is that disastrous propensity of yours to want to write about every sort of possible and impossible thing. The moment an idea comes into your head, you must needs go and write a newspaper article or a whole pamphlet about it.英文原著 · 《An Enemy of the People》
"It isn't pleasant to have a woman tell you--" he went on, unheedingly, but breaking off suddenly: "Now if I were like Arobin-you remember Alcee Arobin and that story of the consul's wife at Biloxi?" And he related the story of Alcee Arobin and the consul's wife; and another about the tenor of the French Opera, who received letters which should never have been written; and still other stories, grave and gay, till Mrs. Pontellier and her possible propensity for taking young men seriously was apparently forgotten.英文原著 · 《Awakening & Selected Short Stories》
It has been supposed that the secret instinct which leads the lower orders to remove their superiors as much as possible from the direction of public affairs is peculiar to France. This, however, is an error; the propensity to which I allude is not inherent in any particular nation, but in democratic institutions in general; and although it may have been heightened by peculiar political circumstances, it owes its origin to a higher cause.英文原著 · 《Democracy In America-1》
In vain will some innate propensity raise the mind towards the loftier spheres of the intellect; interest draws it down to the middle zone. There it may develop all its energy and restless activity, there it may engender all its wonders. These very Americans, who have not discovered one of the general laws of mechanics, have introduced into navigation an engine which changes the aspect of the world.英文原著 · 《Democracy In America-2》
There is, it cannot be denied, in man, a natural propensity to sloth and indolence; and though habits of industry,--like all habits,--may render those exertions easy and pleasant which at first are painful and irksome, yet no person, in any situation, ever chose labour merely for its own sake. It is always the apprehension of some greater evil,--or the hope of some enjoyment, by which mankind are compelled or allured, when they take to industrious pursuits.英文原著 · 《ESSAYS-1》
I just convinced him that, given your client's propensity for rash purchases, that allowing him to stay in charge was a bad idea.美剧 · 《Suits》
Mr. Cahill, this email makes a strong case that Eric Woodall has a propensity for malicious prosecution.美剧 · 《Suits》
Yes, it does, Your Honor, but I'm the one pursuing this case, not Eric Woodall, and I don't have a propensity for anything.美剧 · 《Suits》