America’s Success Factor – Sunday, July 04, 1982
The greatness of nations is made up of more than gross national products and technologies. So it is with this country. Behind the corporations, underlying the commerce and trade, supporting the stock markets—greatness is difficult to define, but an ever-present factor.
Some call it national character, others refer to it as the American dream or promise; but by whatever name, this elusive element is the difference between national success and failure. It is the ingredient which may ensure the continued existence of this nation as a world leader.
This factor is not premised upon American factories nor American technology; it rests rather upon the American genius—the know-how which built the factories and developed the technology. It is composed of human elements, not material: of self-reliance and industry, of generosity and fair play. It is the culmination of man’s ethical and social progress, nurtured here under the protection of an inspired constitution.
Thus, the preservation of America’s greatness becomes a question of individual and collective character. But the past will not support the future. Each generation must succeed with its own character. It is the unshakeable and irrevocable order of things.
To be sure, all do not hold these truths to be self-evident. Indeed, there are those among this generation who would have us believe that the traditional formula for success is outmoded, that personal industry, integrity and honesty are no longer required, and that rights to America’s resources may be inherited without corresponding responsibilities.
But if there is cause for present doubts, it is not because this traditional success formula has been tried and found wanting, but because it has been tried and found difficult.
The American promise is not and has never been a guarantee. It does not promise happiness; it only ensures the opportunity to pursue it. It does not assure success, regardless of effort or contribution, but only maintains the political and legal environment which makes success possible.
Sooner or Later, this will be proven true: self-reliance and industry, personal and collective character, freedom of thought and expression, and constitutional rights and responsibilities are not political rhetoric. They constitute the human element—they are America’s success factor.
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July 04, 1982
Broadcast Number 2,759