The American birthright belongs, potentially, to everyone. This is unprecedented. Other countries accept migrants on the basis of economic necessity or as a humanitarian gesture. Only in America is it the direct consequence of our foundational ideals.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the unique nature of American ideals regarding immigration, as it ties migrant opportunities to foundational American principles rather than just economic needs.
Bret Stephens highlights the distinctive American belief that the potential for citizenship belongs to all, emphasizing that unlike other nations which may accept migrants for economic reasons or humanitarian purposes, the United States uniquely views this as a reflection of its core values and ideals. This notion marks a significant distinction in how America approaches immigration, rooting it in a foundational belief in equality and opportunity for all.
In practice
In a discussion about immigration policies, this quote can underscore the philosophical basis of American ideals.
I routinely interview college students, mostly from top schools, and I notice that their brains are like old maps, with lots of blank spaces for the uncharted terrain. It's not that they lack for motivation or IQ. It's that they can't connect the dots when they don't know where the dots are in the first place.
The most interesting conversation is not about why Donald Trump lies. Many public figures lie, and he's only a severe example of a common type. The interesting conversation concerns how we come to accept those lies.
The more afraid we are of the shadow of racism, the more conscious we might become of our own unsuspected biases.
We live in a world in which data convey authority. But authority has a way of descending to certitude, and certitude begets hubris.
Nothing can happen more beautiful than death.
Black is real sensation, even if it is produced by entire absence of light. The sensation of black is distinctly different from the lack of all sensations.
Beware of the man who does not return your blow: he neither forgives you nor allows you to forgive yourself.
I felt that no boy should have to depend either for his leg or his life upon the ability of his parents to raise enough money to bring a first-class surgeon to his bedside.
I don't mind a dirty girl. But what I find tragic is when we, as women, become not the subject of our own story but someone else's object.
Whoever is going to listen to the philosophers needs a considerable practice in listening.
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