The American Spirit

“The trials of adversity fell upon the fathers; the trials of prosperity are ours. It was theirs to lay the foundations of liberty under popular government; it is ours to preserve it under ever-changing conditions that confront the march of civilization.” - Oscar S. Straus The American Spirit, 1913

Though I am unsure the creators of this nation did not also enjoy some of the greatest prosperity in the world during their era, the above quote makes the point that our successes as a nation pose the greatest challenges.

Straus, in the introduction of his book, also astutely observes, “We are especially blessed in the fact that our entire history is an open and legible book, the records of which are not blurred by age or mystified by tradition. The lives of the fathers are set in frames of reality, and as long as we keep fresh their memories they will guide us in our patriotic efforts to steer the Ship of State by the light of their experience, their wisdom and their foresight.”

We can look to the history of this great country for guidance in modern times, but we must question the word of historians and look at as many facets of each obstacle and solution as possible. Uncomfortable truths should not be ignored. However, shining successes that maybe counter-intuitive to some cannot justly be forgotten as well.

Above all, Americans are human, with imperfections and flaws, but Americans are of a breed this world has seen in no other civilization. We are defined by our diversity and our acceptance, by our optimism and perseverance, by our honor, integrity and courage. We have a uniquely American spirit, which I believe can never be abated.