National necessity smoothly obliterates these differences into a new unity of agreement-agreement that our other differences must give way to national necessity. Your tomorrow will be one of scientific activities endangered by materialism and split by conflicting ideologies. Your tomorrow, if it is to bring about a new day for free men, must be motivated by understanding and empathy, strongly undergirded by moral responsiblity. The Soviet launching of earth satellites is an achievement of the first importance, and the scientists who brought it about deserve full credit and recognition. Already, useful new facts on outer space have been produced, and more are on the way, as new satellites with added instruments are launched.
Earth satellites, in themselves, have no direct present effect upon the nation's security.
However, there is real military significance to these launchings, as I have previously mentioned publicly. Their current military significance lies in the advanced techniques and the competence in military technology they imply. My friends, it has always been my faith that eventual triumph of decency and freedom and right in this world is inevitable. However, what will then be needed is not just engineers and scientists, but a people who will keep their heads and, in every field, leaders who can meet intricate human problems with wisdom and courage. In short, we will need not only Einsteins and Steinmetzes, but Washingtons and Emersons.