# Knowledge of the Foundations by Calvin Coolidge > “If we wish to erect new structures, we must have a definite knowledge of the old foundations.” > **— Calvin Coolidge**, *Simple Reminders on Real American Pride* ## Sources and Context - **Direct or authoritative text:** [Inaugural Address, March 4, 1925 — Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation](https://coolidgefoundation.org/resources/inaugural-address/) - **Series source and editorial context:** [[american/American Ethos - Simple Reminders on Real American Pride|Simple Reminders on Real American Pride]] — “Knowledge of the Foundations.” - **Why it belongs:** Innovation becomes durable when it understands the inheritance beneath it. ## Related Articles and Collections - **Collection:** [[collections/Simple Reminders|Simple Reminders]] - **Collection:** [[collections/American|American Collection]] - **Series source:** [[american/American Ethos - Simple Reminders on Real American Pride|Simple Reminders on Real American Pride]] - **American route:** [[american/American Ethos - The Next 250|The Next 250]] - **American route:** [[american/American Aesthetic - Design and Material Culture|Design and Material Culture]] - **American route:** [[american/American Ethos - Axiom 01 - Freedom Requires Form|Freedom Requires Form]] ## Related Topics - [[wiki/American Competence|American Competence]] ## Share on Social Media ``` “If we wish to erect new structures, we must have a definite knowledge of the old foundations.” — Calvin Coolidge, Simple Reminders on Real American Pride https://bryantmcgill.com/simple-reminders-real-american-pride-knowledge-of-the-foundations ```