What Makes A Nation “Great”?

Posted on by under Bits 'n Pieces, Economic issues, education, Environmental Issues, guns, History, Racism & Bigotry, Social commentary

In my last post, I ended with a question:  What makes a nation “great”?  As you might guess, I pondered long and hard on that question and I want to share with you my own views (surprised, aren’t you?) and also hear yours.  I shall try not to be too verbose.

First and foremost, I think that shared values are essential to any nation.  Think about that team at work who are trying to complete a complex project … they must all be focused on the same goal, each playing their own role, but working toward the same end.  In a nation of 330 million people there will naturally be some differences in what is important, but if we get the basics down right, the rest is workable.

What makes a nation great are the people.  I think the #1 criteria is that people must care more about others than about material wealth.  Human nature being what it is, there will always be some portion of people in any nation who will wish to put their own wealth above the well-being of others, and this is in part why we have governments.

A great nation is one where nobody is homeless or hungry, where those who are more fortunate, whether through luck of the draw or hard work, contribute to ensuring that everyone has a warm place to live, sufficient food to eat, and available medical care with minimal cost.  These are the requirements for life … they are not luxuries, they are the very basics of survival.  No nation that has people living in cardboard boxes on the streets, digging through garbage in hopes of finding something to eat, can be said to be a great nation.

A great nation takes care of the environment for future generations.  It is one where the focus is on developing new energy sources that do not damage its air, water, and earth.  It is a nation that understands there is an ecosystem and that every species of plant and animal are essential to that ecosystem, therefore every effort is made to protect and preserve wildlife and plant life.

A great nation is one where everyone has opportunities to improve their lot in life.  And that starts with education.  In a great nation, books are cherished, not banned or burned.  In a great nation, every child gets a well-rounded education covering all the bases … then as that child grows and matures, they will have the opportunity to further their education in a field that interests them.  That education cannot, however, be stifled … it must be taught honestly … children must learn about history in a factual, honest way, and not just the facts, but the underlying causes of the events that have shaped our world.  Only then can they be a part of making this a better world for future generations.

There are nations on the globe where everyone is of the same ethnicity, shares the same religious beliefs, etc., but the United States is not and never has been such a nation.  Almost everyone in this nation comes from immigrants somewhere along the line.  A great nation values diversity, understands that a mingling of cultures and ideas can only make us better, that we learn from other cultures – immigrants give far more than they take in the long run.

And finally, a great nation is one where people resolve their problems in a civil manner, not with guns, knives, or fists.  We will never all agree on everything, but in a truly great nation, compromise is the word of the day … give and take.  Education is part of that, as is opportunity, as is wealth equality.  I’m not saying that all wealth should be equally distributed, but it makes absolutely no sense for one man to have billions of dollars while others die in the streets of starvation.  No nation that worships wealth can ever be considered “great.”

So, when people talk about maga, about “make America great again”, we need to ask them just what they think it would take to make the nation ‘great’.  I suspect everyone would have a slightly different set of criteria – some would say that making it a “Christian nation” would be a step in the right direction, but I disagree, for that stifles rather than encourages individuality and new ideas.  Others seem to think having only white-skinned people would be a step toward greatness, and again I disagree, for reasons I think you already know.

By these criteria, the U.S. has yet to achieve ‘greatness’, though there have been times throughout our history that we were much closer than we are today!  There have been times when we were on the right path, such as during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, but today we have actually backtracked on much of our previous progress.  Today, violence is rapidly becoming the ‘norm’ and sadly a a large portion of people think that political violence is somehow justifiable.  Today, we are more divided than at any time since the Civil War, both ideologically and economically.  Unfortunately, those who wear red hats with the words “make America great again” on them, who attend rallies to see and be seen, seem to have a different view of what would make this nation great.  I’d really like to hear their answer to the question, though.

I could go on … voting rights, realizing we are just a part of a larger global community, etc., all contribute to a nation’s greatness, but I’ll stop here.  Feel free to disagree or add your own thoughts!

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70 thoughts on “What Makes A Nation “Great”?”

  1. Pingback: What’s the point? – Going Batty in Wales

  3. I find it helpful to remind myself of the 3 Permaculture ethics which inform its design system. Earth care, People care, Fair Shares (sometimes now rewritten as Future Care)

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  5. I agree with it all, Jill. I just don’t have much hope for our future at the moment.
    I’m reading a book called “Antartica Station” by A.G. Riddle at the moment that gives a chilling view of the possible end of this world as we know it with a mega wealthy person running the show. Close to the end but have to continue tonight, but it sure makes me think of how this world we inhabit might end up, especially if left to criminals to run it.

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    • Quite honestly, I often don’t have much hope either, but … if we lose hope, then we stop trying, and if we stop trying, then we lose. So, we do whatever it takes to keep on keeping on, and part of that is believing that there CAN be a better world and we can play a role in bringing that world about.

      I’ve heard of that book … interesting, but I don’t think it would make good bedtime reading! Still, I may look into it. Big HUGS, dear friend!!! xx

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      • You’re right about it not making a good bedtime story. But I had to finish it before I could sleep so it is now finished and returned to Amazon. And then I found more by the same author that are in my Kindle but sure don’t remember putting them there. Part of the Kindle Unlimited freebies, so not a problem.

        I realize we have to keep on keeping on, but lately it’s a lot harder than a few years ago. A favorite quote by Aristotle — “Hope is the dream of the working man”. But how many are still working these days? When hope is gone nothing is left for anyone and my hopes are fading fast lately. Not gone completely, but faded. My son telling me there was a homeless person driving into the back part of our farm really hit home for me. I wish he had told him he could continue, but then there might have been a new “Hooverville” back there and all of the farm equipment is out there. Too many people without homes, food, warm clothes. I’m just really sad that it even exists in this country. You are right about the wealthy sharing their wealth. If they would give a 10th each year to humanity they would still be wealthy and would also be helping others who are less fortunate. I think it’s time for me to step down from the soapbox and watch a Whoopie Goldburg movie. She can always make me laugh.

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        • Ha ha … I do the same thing, my friend! I see something in the Kindle freebies that interests me, download it, then since I usually have 3-4 books in process, I set it aside and forget about it! Eventually, I try to download one and it says I have all I can have until I return one! I do love books!!! I just wish I had more time to read! I did check out Antartica Station and downloaded a sample, which I will likely read when I go to bed in a few minutes.

          Yes, dear Angie, it is a lot harder these days to keep the old chin up. There is so much to be sad about … plenty here in the U.S., but even more in places like Ukraine, parts of Africa, Gaza, Taiwan, and more. We are really so very lucky, yet some days it doesn’t feel that way. Yes, go watch Whoopi … one of my all-time favourites!!! Love that woman! Love you, dear friend!

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          • Well, TV is now on the blink. Kindle works for reading but not too good for anything else. I think maybe I have overloaded it over the years, plus the warranty is now off.

            We have several Afghanistan refugees here and I’ve sent them clothes, dolls and their clothes, and quilts but there is still so much needed. Too much poverty here at home, but at least there is not an active war going on here even though it sometimes seems like it. I wonder if a lot of it is because of all the “Wars on” things that began with Lyndon Johnson. War on drugs, war on poverty, war on everything, giving the impression that it’s okay to take assault rifles and shoot up the country. I now remember why I only read the “Peace” parts when I read “War and Peace”. The war parts were too depressing.

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            • Out internet has been intermittent all weekend … up for 5 minutes, down for 10 … and our t.v. is through the internet, so we’ve seen a lot of people with their mouths stuck open for several minutes at a time 🤣 And no, Kindle is pretty much only good for reading. I can check my blog and email on the Kindle, but it is tedious and not very convenient. I don’t think it’s possible to overload it with books, though … I haven’t managed it yet, anyway.

              Awww … you are a good person, my friend. The cause of our current situation? There are many, but the worship of great wealth seems to be the biggest one. Income inequality, wealth inequality, and a political party that will play reverse Robin Hood, robbing from the poor to give to the wealthy. Sigh.

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              • I like that — reverse Robin Hood. That phrase says it all!
                As for the books, I currently have close to 2000 on the Kindle and last night found some giveaways on Goodreads, some print and some Kindle books, and entered for most of them. I actually won a book several years ago but can’t remember which one it was. It would be wild if I win some this time, but like you, I always load up on the freebies on Amazon. Some returned without reading when I’ve reached my limit and see some that look more promising, some read and liked, some I wonder why anyone would take the time to write such drivel.

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                • That one just came to me a few years back … don’t remember exactly under what circumstances, but it does seem so apt these days.

                  Oh yes, I’ve done the same … get in the mood for a new book, take a look at the freebies … oh, that looks good, so does that … oh yeah! And then, I forget about them until I really want one and it tells me I’ve maxxed out, so I return one unread. We have much in common!

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                  • Just too many offerings to pass up. I’ve read some really good ones and some that look like the ramblings of a 10 year old. The ramblings get returned immediately, while some are so good I buy them. Love reading some of my favorites several times. Just as comforting as favorite music and movies.

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                    • Agreed. Some sound so intriguing when you read the description, but then turn out to be boring garbage. I just stop reading after 10 pages or so if I’m not getting anything out of it. I rarely re-read something, for there are just so many I want to read. Not only do I have a Kindle full, but shelves throughout the house that are groaning under the weight of all the books, plus a stack on my end table that are “currently reading” — there are 8 in that stack!!!! Now, if only I had an extra 8 hours in every day …

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                    • I have problems holding books now. My hands seize up and I drop them and lose my place. Before this all (MS) started I had several bookshelves full of books but lost them all when the roof of the old house fell in burying everything under tons of wreckage. At least all the people were out by then but I really wanted to go in and rescue some of those books. Had taken years to collect them all and had read them all, but still they could be traded for new ones. At least new for me. I only have a couple of print books now and have them stashed in the cabinet next to my chair. I have the Kindle Fire tablet as well as the kindle app on everything, so can read a different book on each device, but that’s only 4 at a time. Just got some Agatha Christie from Amazon using points so loads of fun with Miss Marple,, Poirot, and —- gee I just forgot the names of the couple she had as sluths as well. one book has several of her best plus a huge number of the short stories. Miss Marple is my fave of them all though.

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                    • Awwww Angie … you have been through so much. My heart truly goes out to you. But … I hope you have much fun with Agatha Christie! She used to be among my favourites, but I haven’t read any of her works for decades now. Hercule Poirot was my favourite, with Miss Marple running a close second. Enjoy!!!

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                    • The one I got is “Publicity”. I haven’t started it yet, but it was either free or 99 cents, so no big loss if it’s not good. Can’t remember the ones I read years ago but they were so good. A lot of Poirot available as well.

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    • I wonder if a perusal of your reading list might provide some insight toward your sense of hopelessness.😉 Have you read Bacigalupi’s The Water Knife? People’s behavior under extreme stress is so variable. What’s not to love about a billionaire megalomaniac seeking to rule the world.
      My favorite also my first and of James Bond Dr. No. 👍

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      • I haven’t read either of those books. Most of the books in my Kindle are old ones, Aristotle, James Michenor, Mary Stewart, Helen MacInnes, Hemingway, plus a few newer authors, Nevada Barr, Sue Henry — light mysteries with women sluths. My life is sometimes a mystery to me as well, but when it comes to billionaire megalomaniacs ruling the world though, stop the world and let me off.

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  6. I agree, with that a great nation should, care for the, welfare of its, people, and yet, with the costs of everything getting higher, because of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, and these politicians, only cared about their own getting, elected into, office, the economy sloped down, and, with, everything that’s going wrong in the world, this planet, won’t be fit enough for, human inhabitants, and, our future generations are probably going to, start, contemplating, migrating to, outerspace, but, the lack of oxygen would be a, huge, problem… it’s the, general environment of this planet that’s, slowly becoming, unfitting for us to, live on.

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    • Well, migrating to outer space is a pipe dream … not gonna happen. But think about this … if every millionaire/billionaire donated half of his wealth each year to help feed the hungry and shelter the homeless, wouldn’t that eradicate those problems? It isn’t only the politicians, though yes they do play a role, but to a greater extent it is the wealthy in all our countries who hoard that which could be used to save lives. And … those same wealthy refuse to do what is necessary to save the planet, because it might cut into their profits next year. I think great wealth is a waste and that most of the world’s problems could be solved if only the wealth were redistributed.

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      • Sounds good. What is wealth? After equal distribution what will we do with future acquisitions? Utopia is easily imagined. That’s why I left Omelas.

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        • Wealth is relative, but for these purposes it is anything beyond what is essential to sustain life. Yes, Utopia is easily imagined and will never be achieved, but if we work toward it, at least perhaps we can make a better world than we have today. If, however, we shrug our shoulders and decide that where we are today is ‘good enough’, then we are destined to slip backward even more. Omelas?

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          • Each is alone, and no one knows where they go, but none come back. UKLG
            It is way past time we unite and go back and save the child.
            Sus__tenance living is the life for me packing up the truck and leaving Beverly! Hills that is, no swimming pools, chitlins and possum gravy. That’s the life for me 🎶🎶🎶 I have the tune for our return to the stone age.😂Is Greene Acres in the public domain?

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  9. Pingback: What Makes A Nation “Great”? | Filosofa’s Word | Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News

  10. I would add that a great nation has enlightened leadership dedicated to bringing out the best in people, concerned about all the issues you cite, and developing programs to move us toward those ideals–even if he’s old!

    Though I dislike the hackneyed phrase that “we are at an inflection point,” I think we truly are. Much of our turmoil is that we are increasingly a multiracial, multiethnic society–and this progression is being used by the most extreme elements who have always been in our midst to rage against the future. If we the people are sufficiently united to get us through November, though I don’t see tranquility just around the corner, I believe we can resume the trajectory toward our more perfect union.

    And it would sure help us become that great nation if we had media devoted to finding and reporting the truth–without bias.

    Now I must go read the prequel to this post!

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  12. Jill, thanks for this. Remembering Gandhi’s words, a community’s greatness is measured in how it takes care of its less fortunate. You captured this in your middle section. Keith

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  13. Thanks, as always, for your passion and civic mindedness, Jill. Here’s hoping that future generations will figure out a way to rewrite the Constitution to expand the bill of rights and add a commensurate bill of responsibilities.

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