The American Spirit

1. History is a Source of Strength and Inspiration

History, I like to think, is a larger way of looking at life.

Perspective and Purpose. History provides a broader perspective on life, offering strength and inspiration by revealing who we are, what we stand for, and our role in the present. It's a human story, connecting us to people across time and defining us as a nation. Understanding our past is essential for navigating uncertain times.

Enduring Values. Despite present-day concerns, the vitality, creative energy, decency, tolerance, and good-heartedness of the American people persist. Seeing these values at work restores faith in the American spirit. History reminds us of these enduring qualities.

Personal Renewal. Engaging with history can be personally restorative. Even when feeling down about the state of things, witnessing American values in action can renew one's outlook. History is not just about politics and war, but also about music, poetry, and art.

2. Congress: A Vital, Often Overlooked Story

As history abundantly shows, Congress, for all its faults, has not been the unbroken parade of clowns and thieves and posturing windbags so often portrayed.

Underappreciated Institution. Congress, despite its flaws, is a vital institution deserving of pride and understanding. It has achieved great victories, demonstrated courage and vision, and housed individuals of high purpose and integrity. Its story is often neglected.

Significant Achievements. Congress has been responsible for transformative actions, including the Homestead Act, ending slavery and child labor, building railroads and the Panama Canal, funding exploration, and creating Social Security, TVA, the G.I. Bill, and the Voting Rights Act. These achievements underscore its importance.

Need for Knowledge. We need to know more about Congress to understand leadership, human nature, and our own history. Studying its past can provide valuable ideas and insights for addressing current challenges. Congress is where all voices are heard, and where the people rule.

3. Cities are Civilization and Universities are Key

Cities are civilization.

Vital Centers. Cities are the vital centers of civilization, encompassing marketplaces, production, finance, culture, learning, law, science, publishing, government, and medicine. The American way of life depends on the health of its cities.

University's Role. Universities play a crucial role in understanding and solving urban problems. They should actively engage in research and innovation to address issues like crime, addiction, homelessness, and inequality. This requires a new level of commitment and resources.

History as a Foundation. History is essential for understanding and solving problems, as all issues have historical roots. Universities should marshal their resources to investigate and analyze urban challenges, using the city as a living laboratory. A new department of urban studies could be Pitt's contribution now.

4. The American Mind: Ideals and Inconsistencies

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Revolutionary Ideals. The Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson, introduced the revolutionary idea of government based on the consent of the governed. It proclaimed the self-evident truth that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights.

Human Imperfections. Jefferson, like other Founding Fathers, was not without inconsistencies. As an eighteenth-century Virginia planter, he held slaves, highlighting the gap between ideals and reality. It is important to remember that the Declaration of Independence was not a creation of the gods, but of living men, and, let us never forget, extremely brave men.

Transcendent Power. Despite imperfections, the Declaration's sustaining power inspires beyond time and place. Its principles, such as freedom of religion, speech, and equality before the law, were novel and daring ideas that continue to shape American identity. The nation is richer for new citizens who embrace these ideals.

5. Leadership: Defining National Ambition

What we Americans need above all is leadership to define the national ambition.

Direction and Purpose. America needs leadership to define its national ambition and provide a sense of direction. Without an enemy, the country seems oddly at sea, lacking the old certainties. The Class of 1994 must play a part.

Learning from the Past. Despite current problems, America has always faced challenges. Drawing on the grit and faith of past generations, we can find our course. Beware the purists, the doctrinaires. America itself is an experiment and we must bear that always in mind.

Moral Choices. In foreign policy and national life, we need less fanfare and more truth. We must stay faithful to our fundamental beliefs and recognize that moral choices are at the heart of responsibility. It is the example of America that matters.

6. The Animating Spirit: Goodwill, Curiosity, Commitment

To spend and be spent for the good of mankind is what I chiefly aim at.

Benjamin Rush's Example. Benjamin Rush, a physician, professor, and patriot, exemplifies an animating spirit of goodwill, curiosity, and commitment. His life of service and reform sets a high standard for American life.

Components of the Spirit. The components of this spirit are threefold: goodwill (or good nature, as he said); inexhaustible curiosity (it was this that made him so everlastingly interested in everything and everyone); and commitment—commitment to principle, commitment to service, to his country, and to the fundamental faith that education ought never ever stand still, in the country and in one’s own life.

Transcending Time. This animating spirit transcends time and is essential for progress. It involves generosity, courage, and a dedication to making a difference. The world needs individuals who embody these qualities.

7. Presidential Power: Invisible and Ever-Expanding

Nobody ever enjoyed the presidency as I did.

Beyond Measurement. Presidential power extends beyond tangible metrics, encompassing invisible aspects of individual personality, integrity, depth of soul, and courage. These qualities are essential for effective leadership.

Evolution of the Office. The presidency has expanded significantly over time, from Jefferson's small staff to the modern executive branch with its vast resources. This growth reflects America's increasing role in the world.

Moral Choices. At the heart of responsibility always are moral choices. In what we do, in what we say, what we stand for, we must feel, as did the founders of the nation, as did the founders of this college, that it is the example of America that matters.

8. The Ties That Bind: France and America

Sir, I truly love America.

Historical Alliance. The relationship between France and the United States is extraordinary, marked by shared history, mutual respect, and lasting benefit. This bond began during the American Revolution and continues to this day.

Cultural Influence. Paris has long been a source of inspiration and creative freedom for American artists, writers, and musicians. Many iconic works of American art and literature were created under the spell of Paris.

Enduring Friendship. The ties that bind America and France are deep and multifaceted, encompassing military alliances, cultural exchange, economic partnerships, and shared values. It is essential to renew and strengthen this tradition of respect and affection.

9. The Love of Learning: Beyond Information

Learning is not attained by chance. It must be sought with ardor and attended with diligence.

Distinction from Information. Learning is distinct from mere information. It involves wisdom, judgment, and a deep understanding acquired through books, teachers, and concentrated work. Ardor is key.

Transformative Power. The love of learning can be transformative, as demonstrated by Charles Sumner's experience in Paris. It can lead to personal revelations and a commitment to social justice.

Lifelong Pursuit. Make the love of learning central to your life. Read widely, study masterpieces, and engage with ideas. The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey that enriches the soul.

10. The Summons to Serve: A Call to Action

The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics, whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities.

Kennedy's Vision. John F. Kennedy's words continue to inspire, calling for service, hard work, and a commitment to worthy accomplishment. His vision emphasized equal opportunity, unity of purpose, education, and the pursuit of peace.

High Hopes. Like Kennedy, we must have high hopes and strive to surpass the achievements of the past. This requires joint effort and a belief in the potential of America.

Dreamers Needed. The world needs dreamers who can envision what never was and ask why not. It is through such vision and action that progress is made.

11. The Capitol: A Temple of Liberty and Story

This magnificent structure has been called “the temple of liberty” . . . “the spirit of America writ in stone” . . . “a mighty engine” . . . “an ennobling shrine” . . . “a city unto itself.”

Symbol of Aspirations. The U.S. Capitol is more than just a building; it's a symbol of the highest aspirations of a free and open society. Within its walls, history is made, and the best and worst of human motivations are on display.

Living History. The Capitol is a dynamic place, with a constantly changing cast of characters. It houses not only elected officials but also a vast workforce that keeps the building running and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Abundance of Story. The Capitol is a treasure trove of stories, reflecting the struggles, triumphs, and compromises that have shaped the nation. It is a place where history comes alive.

12. Historic Preservation: Connecting to the Human Story

My hand trembles, but my heart does not.

Tangible Connections. Historic buildings and places provide tangible connections to the past, allowing us to feel the presence of those who came before us. They are real, evocative expressions of distant times and extraordinary people.

Importance of Preservation. Without historic buildings and places, we lose a vital part of our story. Preservation is essential for understanding who we are, where we came from, and what we have achieved.

Source of Strength. Our history is an inexhaustible source of strength, reminding us of the grit, faith, and determination of past generations. It is a story worth preserving and sharing.

Last updated: March 9, 2025