What Makes a Nation Strong?

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In the wake of an election that has stirred both hope and disillusionment across the country, it’s worth remembering the enduring values that truly strengthen a nation. Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words remind us that the resilience of a country lies not in transient victories, but in the steadfast commitment to truth, honor, and unity. As we reflect on the November 5 election outcomes, may this poem inspire us all to uphold what makes a nation truly great.

“A Nation’s Strength”

–Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882; a central figure in American transcendentalism, a movement emphasizing individualism, nature, and the spiritual connection between humanity and the universe. His essays, speeches, and poems, including Self-Reliance and A Nation’s Strength, have inspired generations to seek truth, embrace resilience, and find purpose beyond material success. Emerson’s ideas continue to influence American thought on personal growth, social responsibility, and unity.)

What makes a nation’s pillars high
And its foundations strong?
What makes it mighty to defy
The foes that round it throng?

It is not gold. Its kingdoms grand
Go down in battle shock;
Its shafts are laid on sinking sand,
Not on abiding rock.

Is it the sword? Ask the red dust
Of empires passed away;
The blood has turned their stones to rust,
Their glory to decay.

And is it pride? Ah, that bright crown
Has seemed to nations sweet;
But God has struck its luster down
In ashes at his feet.

Not gold but only men can make
A people great and strong;
Men who for truth and honor’s sake
Stand fast and suffer long.

Brave men who work while others sleep,
Who dare while others fly…
They build a nation’s pillars deep
And lift them to the sky.

2 thoughts on “What Makes a Nation Strong?”

  1. Nor crowd nor numbers gathered strong, will flag the purest faintest song; each word or note rides gentlest wind, of truth and purity. The breath of rhyme and balanced tone, resist the hasty clang; if shouted verse demands a crowd, let modesty so be. Deft poetry and nations’ pride, such angry claim desist; our strength lies in souls’ surety; we shall deny the night. Let each resist the nation’s claim, that we are all as one; the song and verse do strengthen us, as each and every one.

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