than economic and military might. Ancient Rome had those but was brought
down by the decadence of its culture.
Greatness comes from goodness, and there is only one source of good:
God. The key to success for a nation, as for an individual, is to “do justly, love
mercy, and walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8)
Love of country is a good thing, but what is it that people should love about
their country except its goodness? A country that represents and defends what
is good and true will be loved and respected not just by its own citizens but by
good people everywhere.
If a good country happens also to be large, rich and powerful, it will not be
feared or resented by good people in other countries, but they will look to it as
a good example, friend, benefactor and protector.
The love of dominion, the love of ruling over others and taking what is
theirs, is the most powerful and relentless expression of the love of self, and
there have always been nations held in thrall by rulers possessed by that love.
Therefore, the world needs countries which are both strong and good.
(WEO)
more from tocqueville
This astute observer came from France to America in its infancy, carefully
recorded what he saw, reflected deeply upon it, and published his thoughts
in his classic Democracy In America. It would be interesting to know what he
would think of America today, but here are a few excerpts from the book he
published 1835.
“In the United States, the sovereign authority is religious . . . there is no
country in the world where the Christian religion retains a greater influence
over the souls of men than in America, and there can be no greater proof
of its utility and of its conformity to human nature than that its influence is
powerfully felt over the most enlightened and free nation of the earth.”
“Not un til I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame
with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.”
“The safeguard of morality is religion, and morality is the best security of
law as well as the surest pledge of freedom.”
“The Americans combine the notions of Christianity and of liberty so
intimately in their minds, that it is impossible to make them conceive the one
without the other.”
“Christianity is the companion of liberty in all its conflicts – the cradle of
its infancy, and the divine source of its claims.”
(WEO)
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