How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)
Quote #1
The purpose of protecting the life of our Nation and preserving the liberty of our citizens is to pursue the happiness of our people. (7)
What is the "pursuit of happiness" anyway, and how does it relate to life and liberty? Can't you be free but unhappy?
Quote #2
For half a century we called upon unbounded invention and untiring industry to create an order of plenty for all of our people. (10)
Except for the years of the Great Depression, the American economy was on a steady upward trajectory for the first half of the 20th century. LBJ seems to be saying that this mission is accomplished; now we have to shoot for something higher.
Quote #3
We have always prided ourselves on being not only America the strong and America the free, but America the beautiful. (44)
"America the Beautiful" was inspired by an 1893 trip to the Colorado Rockies. Talk about your purple mountain majesties. Lady Bird was a major force in getting her husband to think about the beauty of the natural environment, but as an old Texas ranch-dweller, he spent a lot of time in the great outdoors himself.
Quote #4
But I do promise this: We are going to assemble the best thought and the broadest knowledge from all over the world to find those answers for America. (75)
It takes big people to solve big problems. The Great Society greatly expanded the federal government's role in American life. For liberals, this was the purpose of government—to get involved on the side of the people. For conservatives, it was heresy.
Quote #5
Within your lifetime powerful forces, already loosed, will take us toward a way of life beyond the realm of our experience, almost beyond the bounds of our imagination. (81)
To infinity and beyond. Most Americans in the early 1960s were extremely optimistic about their future. Anything seemed possible—even a Great Society. Johnson was right: Who could have imagined back then that Alexa could open up your remote-controlled window shades; that Siri could find the nearest Starbucks and tell you how to get there; or that you'd be able to take photos of your fancy dessert and send them instantly to all your friends? Now that's what we call progress.