We've learned how to destroy, but not to create; how to waste, but not to build; how to kill men, but not how to save them; how to die, but seldom how to live.
It is to the United States that all freemen look for the light and the hope of the world. Unless we dedicate ourselves completely to this struggle, unless we combat hunger with food, fear with trust, suspicion with faith, fraud with justice - and threats with power, nations will surrender to the futility, the hopelessness, the panic on which wars feed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the responsibility of the United States as a beacon of hope for freedom and the need for dedication to combating global issues.
Omar N. Bradley's quote reflects the notion that the United States serves as a symbol of hope and freedom for oppressed individuals worldwide. It stresses the importance of fully committing to the struggle against various societal issues such as hunger, fear, and injustice. Bradley warns that without this dedication, nations may succumb to despair and turmoil, which can ultimately lead to conflict and war. The call to action is a reminder that proactive efforts are necessary to maintain hope and prevent the breakdown of societies.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about community service and social responsibility.
More from Omar N. Bradley
All quotes →If you will help run our government in the American way, then there will never be any danger of our government running America in the wrong way.
Wars can be prevented just as surely as they can be provoked, and we who fail to prevent them must share the guilt for the dead.
The greatness of a leader is measured by the achievements of the led. This is the ultimate test of his effectiveness.
We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the sermon on the mount.
I am convinced that the best service a retired general can perform is to turn in his tongue along with his suit and to mothball his opinions.
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As long as a man had the courage to reject what society told him to do, he could live life on his own terms. To what end? To be free. But free to what end? To read books, to write books, to think.
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