As individuals people are inherently good. I have a somewhat more pessimistic view of people in groups. And I remain extremely concerned when I see what's happening in our country which is in many ways the luckiest place in the world. We don't seem to be excited about making our country a better place for our kids.
That is the great mistake about the affections. It is not the rise and fall of empires the birth and death of kings or the marching of armies that move them most. When they answer from their depths it is to the domestic joys and tragedies of life.