I believe the best quote from this book is the following, and provides an excellent summary:
"We are well aware that if we commit certain actions against our neighbors,
fighting and impoverishment will result. Somehow we think these same actions
create peace and plenty if applied to our community, state, nation, and
world."
It's the Golden Rule. Most people seem to apply it effectively in their own lives when acting as individuals, but we forget that it also applies to our communities and our country as well.