There is, of course, America the place. But there is also America the dream, the goal, the ideal. These are what make America the place special. These are what have drawn millions to the shores of this country called “America.” America the place is powerful, but America the dream, goal, and ideal is stupendous, exceptional and powerful without equal.

The strength of the Ideas that make America so sensational is the subject of this book.

People talk about the “American idea.” But there is no single American idea. The concept of “America” is far too complex for that kind of distillation. But there are 13 uniquely American ideas, about 13 issues critical to the lives of all people and nations.

What are these “American Ideas?”

Freedom for all as an unalienable human right. Acceptance and celebration of diversity. Legal, social, and economic justice as the norm. Equality of value based on shared humanity. Respect for the dignity of the individual, first and always.

Unlimited opportunity for success and happiness. Unflinching responsibility for yourself and your family and others sharing your journey. Uncoerced and unsurpassed generosity. God as the foundation of rights, and religion and faith as the foundation of decency.

And more. Civil society brings out the best in human beings. Limited government that serves rather than rules. Independence from lunacies of foreign affairs and entanglements. And peace, stretching far into the future and preserved for unborn generations.