It is not our affluence, or our plumbing, or our clogged freeways that grip the imagination of others. Rather, it is the values upon which our system is built. These values imply our adherence not only to liberty and individual freedom, but also to international peace, law and order, and constructive social purpose. When we depart from these values, we do so at our peril.

Summary

This quote suggests that what captures the attention and admiration of others about a society is not its material wealth or infrastructure, but the principles and values on which it is founded. The author highlights that these values include not only concepts like liberty and individual freedom, but also the pursuit of international peace, adherence to laws and order, and a commitment to serving the greater good of society. The quote warns that deviating from these values puts the society in danger, implying that it is crucial to hold onto them to maintain the respect and stability of a nation.