American Exceptionalism The earliest reference to American Excptionalism that I have found is also one of the best. I was under the impression that it was written by Madison so it took me longer to find than it should have. This is from a speech by Gouverneur Morris given in 1800. "...We have seen that a People may be numerous powerful wealthy free brave and inured to War withour being Great, and by reflecting on the Reason why a Combination of those Qualities and Circumstances will not alone suffice. We are close to the true Source and Principle of National Greatness. It is in the national spirit. It is in that high, haughty, generous and noble Spirit which prizes Glory more than wealth and holds Honor dearer than Life. It is that Spirit, the inspiring Soul of Heroes which raises Men above the Level of Humanity .... makes us feel that we must ever be irresistible while human nature shall remain unchanged. I have called it a high haughty generous and noble Spirit. It is high -Elevated above all low and vulgar Considerations. It is haughty - Despising whatever is little and mean whether in Character Council or Conduct. It is generous - granting freely to the weak and to the Indigent Protection and Support. It is noble - Dreading Shame and Dishonor as the greatest Evil, esteeming Fame and Glory above all Things Human. ....Foreign Powers will then know that to withhold a due Respect and Deference is dangerous.....The Dignity of Sentiment which he has inhaled with his native Air gives to his Manner an Ease superior to the Politeness of Courts and a Grace unrivalled by the Majesty of Kings. ....These are Blessings which march in the train of national Greatness....I anticipate the Day when to command Respect in the remotest Regions it will be sufficient to say I am an American.....Our Destiny depends on our Will." In the words of a fictional hero, "Earn this."
Posted on: Sun, 22 Sep 2013 14:20:34 +0000
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