City upon a Hill facts for kids

A City upon a Hill is a famous phrase that describes an ideal community or nation. It suggests a place that stands out as a shining example for others to look up to. This idea has been used by many people, especially American politicians, to talk about their hopes for their country.

What Does "A City upon a Hill" Mean?

The phrase "A City upon a Hill" means a community or society that is so good and successful that it serves as a model for the rest of the world. It's like a bright light that everyone can see and learn from. The idea is that this "city" should inspire others to be better.

Where Does the Phrase Come From?

The original idea comes from the Bible, in a part called the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus told his followers, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." This is found in the book of Matthew, chapter 5, verse 14. He meant that his followers should live in a way that sets a good example for everyone else.

How Was it Used in American Politics?

Over time, this phrase became very popular in American politics. Leaders used it to describe their vision for the United States. They saw America as a country that should lead by example, showing the world what freedom and democracy look like.

Ronald Reagan's Vision

One famous person who used this phrase often was President Ronald Reagan. He was the President of the United States from 1981 to 1989. He loved the idea of America as a "shining city upon a hill."

In his speeches, President Reagan often described this city. He saw it as a strong, peaceful place where people from all backgrounds could live together. He imagined a city with open doors, welcoming anyone who wanted to come and contribute.

Here is what President Reagan said about his vision of the "shining city" in his farewell speech in 1989:

...I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I said it. But in my mind it was a tall proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans, wind-swept, God-blessed, and teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace, a city with free ports that hummed with commerce and creativity, and if there had to be city walls, the walls had doors and the doors were open to anyone with the will and the heart to get here. That's how I saw it and see it still....

Reagan believed that America should always be a beacon of hope and opportunity for the world. His use of the phrase helped make it even more famous in modern times.