Advance became imperative under the goad of fear and suffering. The times were on the side of progress. To hold to progress today, however, is more difficult. Dulled conscience, irresponsibility, and ruthless self interest already reappear. Such symptoms of prosperity may become portents of disaster.
Prosperity already tests the persistence of our progressive purpose.
I see a great nation, upon a great continent, blessed with a great wealth of natural resources. I see a United States which can demonstrate that, under democratic methods of government, national wealth can be translated into a spreading volume of human comforts hitherto unknown, and the lowest standard of living can be raised far above the level of mere subsistence. But here is the challenge to our democracy. In this nation I see tens of millions of its citizens, a substantial part of its whole population, who at this very moment are denied the greater part of what the very lowest standards of today call the necessities of life. It is not in despair that I paint you that picture.