America rests on shared values rather than shared ethnicity.
Interpretation
America is built on common beliefs and principles rather than a unified ethnic background.
This quote emphasizes the foundational idea of the United States as a nation characterized by diverse backgrounds united by core values such as freedom, democracy, and equality. Joseph Nye suggests that the strength of America lies in its ability to bring together individuals from various ethnicities, under a shared commitment to these ideals, rather than being defined solely by their ethnic identities.
In practice
In a speech about national identity, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of shared values in building a cohesive society.
Leadership experts and the public alike extol the virtues of transformational leaders - those who set out bold objectives and take risks to change the world. We tend to downplay 'transactional' leaders, whose goals are more modest, as mere managers.
We live in a world of diverse cultures, and we know very little about social engineering and how to 'build nations.' And when we cannot be sure how to improve the world, hubristic visions pose a grave danger.
Terrorism is like jujitsu: The small players win if they make the large player use his strength against himself.
As we think of power in the 21st century, we want to get away from the idea that powerβs always zero sum β my gain is your loss and vice versa. Power can also be positive sum, where your gain can be my gain.
It does no harm to the romance of the sunset to know a little bit about it.
My friend wants to get moving and so do I,' Eddie said. 'We've got miles to go yet.' I know that. It's on your face, son. Like a scar.' Eddie was fascinated by the idea of duty and ka as something that left a mark, something that might look like decoration to one eye and disfigurement to another. Outside, thunder cracked and lightning flashed.
Without a global revolution in the sphere of human consciousness a more humane society will not emerge.
The word "now" is like a bomb through the window, and it ticks.
However much I dislike the idea of abortion, you should not criminalize a woman who, in very difficult circumstances, makes that choice.
Please open your eyes now, but keep attention in the inner energy field of the body as you look around the room. The inner body lies at the threshold between your form identity and your essence identity, your true nature. Never lose touch with it.
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