Quote by John W. Gardner
The idea for which this nation stands will not survive if the highest goal free man can set themselves is an amiable mediocrity. Excellence implies striving for the highest standards in every phase of life.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the importance of striving for excellence in all aspects of life, in order to uphold the ideals upon which a nation is built. It suggests that merely settling for a mediocre or average existence undermines the values and aspirations that define a free society. To uphold the ideals, individuals must constantly push themselves to achieve the highest standards of excellence in every endeavor they undertake, as this is crucial for the survival of the principles and foundations on which the nation stands.