In cherishing the Promise of a better national future the American is fulfilling rather than imperiling the substance of the national tradition.
When, however, Americans talk of their country as the Land of Promise, a question may well be raised as to precisely what they mean.

They mean, of course, in general, that the future will have something better in store for them individually and collectively than has the past or the present; but a very superficial analysis of this meaning discloses certain ambiguities.

What are the particular benefits which this better future will give to Americans either individually or as a nation?
And how is this Promise to be fulfilled?
Will it fulfill itself, or does it imply certain responsibilities?
If so, what responsibilities?
When we speak of a young man's career as promising, we mean that his abilities and opportunities are such that he is likely to become rich or famous or powerful; and this judgment does not of course imply, so far as we are concerned, any responsibility.

It is merely a prophecy based upon past performances and proved qualities.

But the career, which from the standpoint of an outsider is merely an anticipation, becomes for the young man himself a serious task.