This, of course, is a heresy from the point of view of the American democratic tradition; but it is much less of a heresy from the point of view of American political practice, and, whether heretical or not, it indicates the road whereby alone the American people can obtain political salvation.
The American democracy can trust its interest to the national interest, because American national cohesion is dependent, not only upon certain forms of historical association, but upon fidelity to a democratic principle.

A nation is a very complex political, social, and economic product--so complex that political thinkers in emphasizing one aspect of it are apt to forget other and equally essential aspects.

Its habits and traditions of historical association constitute an indispensable bond; but they do not constitute the only bond.

A specific national character is more than a group of traditions and institutions.

It tends to be a formative idea, which defines the situation of a country in reference to its neighbors, and which is constantly seeking a better articulation and understanding among the various parts of its domestic life.