Today, America has become one of the most powerful forces for good on earth. We must keep it so. We have achieved a world leadership which does not depend solely upon our military and naval might. We have learned to fight with other nations in common defense of our freedom. We must now learn to live with other nations for our mutual good. We must learn to trade more with other nations so that there may be - for our mutual advantage - increased production, increased employment and better standards of living throughout the world. May we Americans all live up to our glorious heritage. In that way, America may well lead the world to peace and prosperity.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Truman calls for America to lead globally through trade and mutual cooperation rather than military force.
- In plain terms
- America should maintain global leadership by trading and living with other nations peacefully.
- What can you take from it?
- Global leadership requires mutual cooperation and economic engagement.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a nation a good leader?
- How can trade promote peace?
Another view
The quote assumes nations prioritize mutual good over self-interest.
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