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Now this problem of the adjustment of man to his natural resources, and the problem of how such things as industrialization and urbanization can be accepted without destroying the traditional values of a civilization and corrupting the inner vitality of its life - these things are not only the problems of America; they are the problems of men everywhere. To the extent that we Americans become able to show that we are aware of these problems, and that we are approaching them with coherent and effective ideas of our own which we have the courage to put into effect in our own lives, to that extent a new dimension will come into our relations with the peoples beyond our borders, to that extent, in fact, the dreams of these earlier generations of Americans who saw us as leaders and helpers to the peoples of the world at large will begin to take on flesh and reality.

George F. Kennan#3

LeadershipCivilizationGlobalTraditionValues

About this quote

What does it mean?
Kennan argues that balancing industrialization with traditional values is a global challenge, and American success in addressing it could inspire the world.
In plain terms
Countries face problems of adapting to modernization without losing values, and American solutions could help others.
What can you take from it?
Solve modernization and value conflicts to lead globally.

Where it applies

  • policy planning
  • cultural preservation
  • international cooperation

Putting it to work

  • develop coherent modernization strategies
  • protect traditional values
  • share successful models

Questions to consider

  • How do you balance progress and tradition?
  • What makes a nation a good leader?

Another view

Imposing one nation's solutions on others can be paternalistic.

More from George F. Kennan

  1. A political society does not live to conduct foreign policy; it would be more correct to say that it conducts foreign policy in order to live.

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  2. A foreign policy aimed at the achievement of total security is the one thing I can think of that is entirely capable of bringing this country to a point where …

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  3. If humiliation and rejection are to be the rewards of faithful and effective service in this field, what are those of us to conclude who have also served promi…

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