A hundred years from tonight, another American President will stand in this place and report on the State of the Union. He-or she-(applause)-he or she will look back on a 21st century shaped in so many ways by the decisions we make here and now. So let it be said of us then that we were thinking not only of our time, but of their time; that we reached as high as our ideals; that we put aside our divisions and found a new hour of healing and hopefulness; that we joined together to serve and strengthen the land we love.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker urges current decision makers to consider future generations and unify for the long term.
- In plain terms
- Think about the future and heal divisions now.
- What can you take from it?
- Make decisions that benefit future generations.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What will they say of us?
- How to find new hope?
Another view
Idealism may not solve immediate problems.
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