America did not invent human rights. In a very real sense human rights invented America.
Interpretation
Human rights are fundamental to the identity of America rather than a product of its creation.
This quote by Jimmy Carter emphasizes the idea that the foundational principles of human rights are what shaped and defined America as a nation. Rather than viewing America as the originator of human rights, it suggests that these rights have been integral in establishing the country's values and identity, highlighting a deep interconnection between the nation's philosophy and the universal concepts of liberty and justice.
In practice
During a keynote speech on democracy, one might use this quote to illustrate the deep-rooted principles that form the foundation of American society.
Acknowledging the physical realities of our planet does not mean a dismal future of endless sacrifice. In fact, acknowledging these realities is the first step in dealing with them. We can meet the resource problems of the world - water, food, minerals, farmlands, forests, overpopulation, pollution - if we tackle them with courage and foresight.
The preeminent obstacle to peace is Israel's colonization of Palestine.
I would say the biggest handicap we have right now is some nutcases in our country that don't believe in global warming. I think they are going to change their position because of pressure from individuals, because the evidence of the ravages of global warming is already there.
If I were president, I'd be very glad to see the Palestinians have a nation recognized by the United Nations. There's no downside to it.
My understanding of racial discrimination as a child was highly distorted because the most prominent man in Archery was an African-American bishop. When he came home from up north, where he was in charge of A.M.E. churches in five states, it was front-page news. He was the most successful man in my life.
Our American values are not luxuries but necessities, not the salt in our bread, but the bread itself. Our common vision of a free and just society is our greatest source of cohesion at home and strength abroad, greater than the bounty of our material blessings.
Give them bread and circuses and they will never revolt
The forces of good and evil are working within and around me, I must choose, and in a free will universe I do have a choice.
All of our reasoning ends in surrender to feeling.
Every being has the need not only to be but to affirm his own being. This is especially significant for the human organism, for it is gifted with, or condemned to, self-consciousness.
When men search for God with their bodily eyes they find Him nowhere, for He is invisible. But for those who ponder in the Spirit He is present everywhere. He is in all, yet beyond all.
The Tao which you know is not the eternal Tao
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