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Business Quote by Doris Kearns Goodwin

“Wilson argued that “the wealth of America” lay in its small businesses, its towns and villages. “Its vitality does not lie in New York, nor in Chicago,” he asserted; “it will not be sapped by anything that happens in St. Louis. The vitality of America lies in the brains, the energies, the…” quote by Doris Kearns Goodwin
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““Wilson argued that “the wealth of America” lay in its small businesses, its towns and villages. “Its vitality does not lie in New York, nor in Chicago,” he asserted; “it will not be sapped by anything that happens in St. Louis. The vitality of America lies in the brains, the energies, the enterprise of the people throughout the land; in the efficiency of their factories and in the richness of the fields that stretch beyond the borders of the town.””

Doris Kearns Goodwin

About This Quote

Source Book: Team of Rivals, Doris Kearns Goodwin, 2005

The quote emphasizes that a nation's strength comes from its widespread small enterprises and the collective effort of its people, not just major cities.

In simple terms: America’s power is in its small towns and people.

Key Takeaway

Support local businesses and communities.

Themes

economics community national identity decentralization

Mood

pragmatic reflective

Type

observational analytical

When to use this quote

  • rural development
  • small business policy
  • economic planning
  • community building

Key Concepts

social capital regional development grassroots entrepreneurship

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can policy balance support for small towns and big cities?
  • What are the risks of neglecting urban hubs?
A Different Perspective

Overlooks the role of major urban centers in innovation and growth.

2.5 out of 5 (4 ratings)

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