These really are words of wisdom, I hope you know. If only we as a people would regain that will to win; the will to be great and do great things.
I heard a quote on tv once that characterizes the American spirit - it is: 'One characteristic of a true American is where he is able to take an idea from the conception stage - with no help- and by the seat of his pants with trials and tribulations somehow make it work.' That's not exact but pretty close.
Sorry to get off topic, but this is exactly why Ronald Reagan was a great president. He gave us a sense of possibilities; he instilled in us the will to win.