 Share
|
Email
Print
|
The heart of the American idea has always lain open and vulnerable to both the best and worst of this country’s men and women. Our nation’s future, as with its past, depends on how we as persons and as a people let this larger heart beat within our own hearts. And the question is: Do we live to serve ourselves alone, or shall our lives bear witness to something larger?
Return to:
The American Idea
Scholars, novelists, politicians, artists, and others look ahead to the future of the American idea.
One hundred fifty years ago, it was easier for this country to put its own needs first, middle, and last. But no longer can the world’s most prosperous nation pursue happiness irrespective of a global economy, a planet’s stewardship, and the health of peoples in country after country after country. Our challenge now is to strengthen ourselves as a nation that is inextricably tied to a world of nations.
Going forward, the challenge is for our decisions to bear the mark of understanding that one nation’s heartbeat affects the pulse of every nation. And though the results will never be uniform, and though we will often find our way through trial and error, and though we must learn—and relearn—to proceed with humility, a world’s good must be our common goal.
AP
|
Submit Your Photos of America at Work
Send us your images of friends, family, and neighbors on the job. We'll publish the best. Read more › |
The History of Thomas Edison
This Must Be the Place: Byun
Video Documentary: The Impact of a Principal
James Fallows on Obama's first term, Raymond Bonner on the death penalty, Christopher Hitchens on G.K. Chesterton, and more
Browse back issues of The Atlantic that have appeared on the Web. From September 1995 to the present, the archive is essentially complete, with the exception of a few articles, the online rights to which are held exclusively by the authors.
See All Back Issues: September 1995
Malaysia Celebrates Valentine's Day by Arresting Unmarried Couples
February 13: Political Emotionalists and Neurotics; Mysteries of Providence
How the iPhone Is and Is Not Like a Chipotle Burrito
Carla Bruni to Represent the Working Class
Why America Keeps Getting More Conservative
Should Building Taller Be Much, Much Easier?
Join the Discussion
After you comment, click Post. If you’re not already logged in you will be asked to log in or register. blog comments powered by Disqus