”...the world has entered a new era. Our philosophic, religious and political beliefs can still provide the framework for our future choices. But the problem we now face are different in kind, not just in size, from those we faced before...We must seek a common existence, rooted in our common humanity.”
As we celebrate Independence Day in the US, we’re reflecting on America’s identity and on our role in the world. In many ways, we’re more connected to each other than ever. But we face a difficult challenge: that the more we deal with each other, the more we have a tendency to be fearful of those who appear to be different than we are. That fear can result in conflict, cruelty and violence the likes of which we see all too often. Sargent Shriver was aware of this challenge when he spoke these words in 1975. Having traveled the world for the Peace Corps, worked with Americans around the country for the War on Poverty, and served as US Ambassador to France, he knew then what is very clear in 2017: that unless we are able to see beyond our differences and to remember what makes us all human, we will not be able to thrive together, in peace.
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