"The only way that we're going to feel secure in this country again and that we're going to feel good about ourselves is if we use these systems we've put into place to create positive change around the world. I really believe we can do that"

John Perkins expresses a vision of national and personal renewal rooted in responsibility and global engagement. He observes that a sense of security and self-worth in society does not come solely from isolation or defensive measures, but is deeply connected to the country’s role in the wider world. Perkins points out that powerful systems, political, economic, and social structures, have been established, and rather than using these mechanisms for exploitation or self-interest, there lies an opportunity to leverage them for constructive outcomes on a global scale.

Implicit in his statement is the idea that national confidence is intertwined with moral conduct. When citizens perceive their country as a force for good, actively working to address global challenges, promote justice, and support positive transformation, it generates a collective sense of pride and personal dignity. Conversely, using systems for selfish or harmful purposes might breed shame, insecurity, and distrust both at home and abroad.

Perkins’ faith in the possibility of positive change reflects optimism about human agency: he does not merely suggest reforms, but believes in their feasibility. This belief is empowering, urging readers to see themselves not as passive observers but as active participants capable of steering complex institutions toward beneficial ends. His view assumes that change is not only necessary, but attainable, and that the systems built for public administration and global influence are tools that can serve higher ethical purposes.

Ultimately, Perkins’ message is a call to reexamine collective values and the objectives of power. Security and self-esteem are to be earned through generous, outward-looking action, rather than isolation or dominance. By choosing to use established systems for good, a nation can foster both domestic well-being and international goodwill. His words suggest that a sense of security and self-respect emerges most strongly when a society aligns its resources with compassion and a genuine desire to improve the world.