Admirable Quote by Stella Benson
“Americans were people who wanted to leave every place better than they found it, to leave every man more of a man than they found him. ... Americans could open doors to almost all that was admirable - it was their misfortune, not their fault, that movies and victrolas and advertisements squeezed in when they opened the door.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Usual Suspects by Stella Benson, 1935
Americans strive to improve places and people, yet cultural forces can corrupt that ideal.
In simple terms: People want to leave things better, but media can undermine.
Recognize and guard against corrupting influences.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- urban development
- media consumption
- personal responsibility
- community building
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we protect positive values from media intrusion?
- What responsibilities do we have to maintain integrity?
Even good intentions can be eroded by pervasive media.