Keys to greatness: Education and God

In Dr. Ben Carson's 2012 best seller, "America, the Beautiful," he shares reasons for America's original greatness. Two of those were our belief in our divine origin and the importance of an educated citizenry.

He excerpts Alexis de Tocqueville's 1831 report on democracy in America. For me, this was the French reporter's most poignant statement: "I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of America ... Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

Ethics, personal initiative, charitability, forgiveness, courage, and all qualities of nobility of character emerge when we honor in us and others our divine origin. When enough of us choose this, we will find our collective goodness once again.

From our nation's birth, public education was a priority. Dr. Carson noted de Tocqueville's experience in interacting with American children. He remarked that any child, even a second grader, could read and write well. When he ventured into our frontiers, he could engage wilderness men in intelligent dialogue. They had an understanding of governmental processes and read newspapers regularly.

Amid the most unpleasant U.S. presidential election I have experienced, I admit this: as a nation, we get the leadership we deserve. If we desire leaders we can respect, we can choose to strive, with God's help, to live ethically, especially for the sake of our own children. We can participate in their education, their spiritual growth, instilling in them their vital contribution to our world through their distinctive gifts.

One day, one of our precious children, in all their beauty of character, will find themselves in the sacred office of president. And we will be blessed.

Carol Wells

Bloomingdale