https://pjmedia.com/eddriscoll/2012/08/24/interview-david-gelernter-on-america-lite/feed/PJ Media is a leading news site covering culture, politics, faith, homeland security, and more. Our reporters and columnists provide original, in-depth analysis from a variety of perspectives.en-usWed, 10 Jun 2026 05:31:39 -0400<![CDATA[In 1957, William DeVane, dean of Yale, made a casual statement that no one noticed at the time. But in retrospect it’s remarkable. Our national leaders for the most part are men of integrity, idealism, and skill; our literary and artistic people command an international respect such as they never had before; our scientists and engineers, especially the latter, are the wonder and envy of other nations; our teachers in our colleges and universities are learned and devoted. In 1957, Americans were pleased with America and proud of it. They had problems and knew it, but were undismayed. Less than twenty years later, that proud confidence was gone, crumbled like mud-bricks into flyblown clouds of dust. “No one knows which way to turn and which way to go,” wrote the great essayist (and lifelong optimist, patriot, liberal) E. B. White in 1975. “Patriotism is unfashionable,” he wrote in 1976, “having picked up the taint of chauvinism, jingoism, and demagoguery. A man is not expected to love his country, lest he make an ass of himself.” The nation got over its low spirits, but Americans no longer speak about their country the way DeVane did back in 1957.]]>Fri, 24 Aug 2012 00:04:56 -0400<![CDATA[Ed Driscoll]]>https://pjmedia.com/ed-driscoll/2012/08/24/interview-david-gelernter-on-america-lite-n255910