America Quote by Norman Vincent Peale
“I sometimes think we ought to bring a bill before Congress changing our national symbol from the eagle to the buffalo, because we are more like the buffalo than the eagle. The eagle is a powerful bird. It flies alone. It rises up into the sky with authority. It is master of all it surveys. The eagle is an individualist and was selected from among the rest of the birds to be our symbol. But the buffalo was never alone. It always ran in a herd with other buffaloes. And, friends, I call your attention that the buffaloes are gone from the open range, but the eagles are still soaring.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Symbolic Animals in American Culture, 1970s
The eagle symbolizes individualism, while the buffalo represents community; the speaker argues for a shift toward collective values.
In simple terms: Eagle = solo; buffalo = herd.
Key Takeaway
Embrace community over individualism.
Themes
individualism
collectivism
national identity
symbolism
politics
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- political speeches
- educational curricula
- advertising campaigns
Key Concepts
American myth
national symbols
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the buffalo symbolize for you?
- How can symbols influence societal values?
A Different Perspective
Symbols can be co‑opted; changing a symbol may not change behavior.
![“The very first thing the President [Truman] did was to show me the new Presidential Seal, which he had just redesigned. He explained, 'The seal has to go everywhere the President goes. It must be displayed upon the lectern when he speaks. The eagle used to face the arrows but I have re-designed it…” quote by Winston Churchill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/36b/winston-churchill-95_american-eagle_the-very-first-thing-the-president-truma_3048764.jpg)
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
