An Inward Look

Abstract

the conflict with communist power from time to time throws a harsh light on our own society. As this conflict continues, and its obduracy, scope, and deadlines become increasingly manifest, we begin to see traits in American society of which we were barely aware, and which in this context appear as grievous disabilities. Perhaps the first thus to come to attention is our inability to give an account of our national purposes, intentions, and hopes that is at once honest and inspiring. It is a long time since anyone has spoken, on behalf of this country, of our future or the world’s future in a way that suggested complete integrity, some freshness of spirit and a touch of the plausible.