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Today, having come far in our own historical journey, we must decide: Will we turn back, or finish well? Before history is written down in books, it is written in courage. Like Americans before us, we will show that courage and we will finish well. We will lead freedom's advance. We will compete and excel in the global economy. We will renew the defining moral commitments of this land. And so we move forward - optimistic about our country, faithful to its cause, and confident of victories to come.

George W. Bush#366

LeadershipFreedomHistoryEconomyMoralityProgressCourage

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker urges the nation to continue its historical progress with courage and moral commitment rather than retreating. He expresses confidence in future victories through leadership and economic competition.
In plain terms
We should move forward with courage and confidence instead of turning back.
What can you take from it?
Commit to finishing well by showing courage and moral leadership.

Where it applies

  • political speeches
  • national addresses
  • historical reflections

Putting it to work

  • frame policy goals as moral commitments
  • emphasize continuity of values
  • build public confidence

Questions to consider

  • What does finishing well mean for your own journey?
  • How do you define courage in your context?

Another view

The quote assumes a linear view of progress that may ignore complex setbacks.

More from George W. Bush

  1. Fellow citizens, we have been called to leadership in a period of consequence. We have entered a great ideological conflict we did nothing to invite. We see gr…

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  2. Imagine what it's like to be a young person living in a country that is not moving toward reform...While your peers in other parts of the world have received e…

    Permalink to quote #367
  3. As we look at these challenges, we must never give in to the belief that America is in decline, or that our culture is doomed to unravel. The American people k…

    Permalink to quote #364

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