Its aim has never been to destroy everything and conserve nothing. Yes, healthy skepticism is indispensable to distinguish the correct from the false, the lie from the truth. But an exaggeration of the skeptical attitude can lead to cynicism and the disavowal of all values. Educated men and women must build and affirm rather than merely deny and debunk. We must attempt to lead an examined life, not a life of spiritual negation.
Individuals have a duty to nurture and constantly renew the community of which they are a part.
We must be committed to the continuous rebuilding of society and to the continuous reweaving of the social fabric. For a nation's greatness is measured not only by its gross national product or its military power, but also by the strength of its devotion to the principles and values that bind its people and define its character. National character depends on, and must be embodied in, the character of our people. This, in turn, is influenced by a sense of who we are as a nation and what we believe. Our social and cultural institutions can only be as good as the people who serve in them.