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My conception of America is a land where men and women may walk in ordered freedom in the independent conduct of their occupations; where they may enjoy the advantages of wealth, not concentrated in the hands of the few but spread through the lives of all; where they build and safeguard their homes, and give to their children the fullest advantages and opportunities of American life; where every man shall be respected in the faith that his conscience and his heart direct him to follow; where a contented and happy people, secure in their liberties, free from poverty and fear, shall have the leisure and impulse to seek a fuller life. Some may ask where all this may lead beyond mere material progress. It leads to a release of the energies of men and women from the dull drudgery of life to a wider vision and a higher hope. It leads to the opportunity for greater and greater service, not alone from man in our own land, but from our country to the whole world. It leads to an America, healthy in body, healthy in spirit, unfettered, youthful, eager - with a vision searching beyond the farthest horizons, with an open mind, sympathetic and generous.

Herbert Hoover#31

FreedomSocietyFamilyServiceWealth

About this quote

What does it mean?
America should offer ordered freedom, shared wealth, safe homes, and respect for conscience, leading to higher hope and service.
In plain terms
A good society shares wealth freely and respects personal freedom.
What can you take from it?
Liberty and shared opportunity lead to higher purpose.

Where it applies

  • state of union
  • party platforms
  • civic education

Putting it to work

  • expand access to wealth
  • protect civil rights
  • invest in families

Questions to consider

  • What does ordered freedom look like?
  • How do we spread wealth broadly?

Another view

This vision may not address structural barriers to equality.

More from Herbert Hoover

  1. Wages have increased, the cost of living has decreased. The job of every man and woman has been made more secure. We have in this short period decreased the fe…

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  2. So far as the personal side is concerned, the victory was to him who lost and the defeat to him who won. I can say that never in the last fifteen years have I …

    Permalink to quote #32
  3. Our people are steadily increasing their spending for higher standards of living. Today there are almost nine automobiles for each ten families, where seven an…

    Permalink to quote #29

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