Date: May 12, 1931
Location: Northampton, MA
(Original document available here)
All through the ages people have been seeking some material security outside themselves. It has not yet been found. There is a possibility that the quest is a delusion.
Great nations have arisen and sought safety in mighty armaments, great men have sought safety in riches. Alliances among nations and combinations among men have striven for the same goal. Always some other nation, man, alliance or combination has arisen that was stronger. No temporal power, no riches can boast of much antiquity. Neither men nor nations have found permanent security in material power.
The nations of Europe are now attempting to apply this same system in their search for security. The same thought is working down among individuals the world over. They all want some assurance that, no matter what happens, some power outside themselves is to protect them from all evil consequences. A league is to be a guaranty for nations, and some obligation of society is to furnish support for individuals. While much could be done, the plans proposed appear very doubtful. In the end the security of nations and men must be sought within themselves by observing the command to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly.
Citation: Calvin Coolidge Says: Dispatches Written by Former-President Coolidge and Syndicated to Newspapers in 1930-1931 (Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation)
The Coolidge Foundation gratefully acknowledges the volunteer efforts of Greg Harkenrider who prepared this document for digital publication.