Fogotten wisdom: Eisenhower’s vision of America

Here are some good quotes on America’s role in the world, from the farewell address of US president Dwight D. Eisenhower.

“America’s leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress, riches and military strength, but on how we use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment…”

“Throughout America’s adventure in free government, our basic purposes have been to keep the peace; to foster progress in human achievement, and to enhance liberty, dignity and integrity among people and among nations. To strive for less would be unworthy of a free and religious people. Any failure traceable to arrogance, or our lack of comprehension or readiness to sacrifice would inflict upon us grievous hurt both at home and abroad…”

“Down the long lane of the history yet to be written America knows that this world of ours, ever growing smaller, must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect…”

“Such a confederation must be one of equals…”

“Together we must learn how to compose differences, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose…”

“To all the peoples of the world, I once more give expression to America’s prayerful and continuing aspiration:

We pray that peoples of all faiths, all races, all nations, may have their great human needs satisfied; that those now denied opportunity shall come to enjoy it to the full; that all who yearn for freedom may experience its spiritual blessings; that those who have freedom will understand, also, its heavy responsibilities; that all who are insensitive to the needs of others will learn charity; that the scourges of poverty, disease and ignorance will be made to disappear from the earth, and that, in the goodness of time, all peoples will come to live together in a peace guaranteed by the binding force of mutual respect and love.”

Full speech:
http://coursesa.matrix.msu.edu/~hst306/documents/indust.html

Source: Eisenhower, Dwight D. Farewell Address to the Nation on January 17, 1961. Public Papers of the Presidents, Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1960, p. 1035- 1040.