High Standards

Civilization is not a circle but a pyramid. At its base is found the constantly increasing mass of humanity. Out of this common material the world has been busily engaged in building the structure of civilization. No one is compelled to remain at the base of the pyramid who has within himself the ability to find his way up. From that base have come most of the great men in history. Few born in riches or high social position have ever achieved greatness. By her system of Government America is at the mercy of those at the base of the pyramid. If through individual initiative and proper leadership they win their way toward the apex, they lift America also. If they remain inert, ignorant, indifferent, they become the common prey of unscrupulous leaders who seek to weaken or destroy the structure of our Government. National character. - National character is the sum of every citizen. The Nation has a right to expect each citizen to maintain high ideals, and he has a right to expect the same of his neighbor. The resulting measure of satisfaction should spur any right-thinking individual to such attainment. The actual worth of a citizen to himself, his community, his country, regardless of any other accomplishment, is based on the high quality and standard of his thinking. Obedience to higher impulses builds up self-respect without which no true success is possible. Community and home. - The United States has been developed by a succession of communities, independent of each other, yet closely related in their social, economic, and political interests. The character of the community is determined by the character of its homes and the character of its homes is determined by the character of the individual citizen. He is the only person upon whom responsibility for community and home can be placed.