We must not become the new puritans and reject our society. We must address and master the future together. It can be done if we restore the belief that we share a sense of national community, that we share a common national endeavor. It can be done.

In this quote, Barbara Jordan, the first African American woman elected to the Texas Senate, emphasizes the importance of unity and national community in addressing the challenges of the future. She warns against becoming "the new Puritans," referring to a tendency to reject society or withdraw from collective progress. Instead, she advocates for a proactive approach in which society comes together to confront and master the future collaboratively. Jordan’s message is a call to embrace progress without abandoning the ideals of community and shared responsibility.

Jordan suggests that to move forward, the nation must restore a belief in a shared national community—a sense of solidarity that transcends divisions and fosters a collective effort for the common good. This sense of unity is crucial for tackling complex issues, whether they are political, social, or economic. By emphasizing a "common national endeavor," she stresses that the future can only be shaped by everyone working together, rather than focusing on individual or isolated interests.

The statement "It can be done" serves as a hopeful affirmation that, despite the challenges, the vision of a united and forward-thinking society is achievable. Jordan expresses a deep conviction that the nation can overcome its obstacles if people are willing to come together with a shared sense of purpose and collective action. Her words inspire a belief that progress is possible when people recognize their interconnectedness and shared responsibility.

Ultimately, Jordan’s quote reflects her commitment to democracy and the idea that societal progress is dependent on a strong, unified community. Her call to address and master the future together serves as both a reminder and a challenge to citizens and leaders alike: that the future depends not on rejecting society, but on engaging with it constructively and inclusively.