Habitat has opened up unprecedented opportunities for me to cross the chasm that separates those of us who are free, safe, financially secure, well fed and housed, and influential enough to shape our own destiny from our neighbors who enjoy few, if any, of these advantages of life.
Interpretation
Carter highlights the disparity between those with privileges and those without, emphasizing the importance of using opportunities for social equity.
In this quote, Jimmy Carter reflects on the significant gap that exists between privileged individuals and those who lack basic necessities and freedoms. He recognizes how Habitat for Humanity has provided him with the means to contribute toward bridging this gap, advocating for social justice and the importance of uplifting those who are less fortunate. The essence of his message underscores a moral responsibility to leverage one's advantages in life to support and empower others in need.
In practice
During a speech about social responsibility, I quoted this to emphasize the need for equitable development.
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.
The United States has the power to destroy the world, but not the power to save it alone
If I were asked today to formulate as concisely as possible what was the main cause of the ruinous revolution that swallowed up some 60 million of our people, I could not put it more accurately than to repeat: 'Men had forgotten God; that is why all this has happened.'
You see, the outcome of the battle is unimportant. What matters is the chaos, and the slaughter.
As immigrants, we understand better than most that to be an American is a privilege that conveys not just rights but responsibilities.
I take it that what all men are really after is some form or perhaps only some formula of peace.
Repentance will not make you see Christ; but to see Christ will give you repentance.
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