It is not a rigid abstract and partial ideal, as is that of an exclusively socialist or an exclusively individualist democracy.

Neither is it merely a compromise, suited to certain practical exigencies, between individualism and socialism.

Its central formative idea can lend itself to many different and novel applications, while still remaining true to its own fundamental interest.
Flexible though the national ideal may be, its demands are in one respect inflexible.

It is the strenuous and irrevocable enemy of the policy of drift.

It can counsel patience; but it cannot abide collective indifference or irresponsibility.