China is our geopolitical adversary, but the ancient Chinese philosopher Mencius had some advice that might help us in these difficult times. He said:

“Only after a person has demeaned himself will others demean him. Only after a great family has destroyed itself will others destroy it. And only after a country has torn itself down will others tear it down. The T’ai Chia says:

‘Ruin from Heaven,
We can weather.
Ruin from ourselves,
We never survive.'”

To survive, let alone to recover, our country must regain its sanity and self-respect.

As American Founder George Washington said, “Labor to keep alive in yourself that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.”