A man in a wide brimmed hat feeds a cow hay, while a man in a baseball cap and suit covered in overalls watches.

Core Ideas

Quoted by leaders and studied by scholars, Adlai is a standard by which political leaders are measured for their integrity and their commitment to the principles of democracy. His ideas remain relevant — perhaps critical — even today.

Governor Adlai Stevenson visiting a farmer, February 11, 1949; courtesy Pantagraph.

This site offers visitors various means to explore Adlai's core ideas through Adlai's own words, an Archive of historic texts, historian interpretations, and tools to examine Adlai's ideas and legacy in today's news. One way to consider Adlai's ideas is to notice three underlying core values that permeate his life's work: Think, Care, and Connect.

Think

Adlai was a thinker. He was an intellectual who believed in the power of careful thought and dialogue. He trusted — and expected — people to think for themselves and to participate actively in public life.

Care

Adlai cared. He went out of his way to learn about people. He talked with people directly, then translated what he learned into policies that responded to their needs.

Connect

Adlai connected with people. And, he expected people to connect with one another — to understand and be responsible for their neighbors both at home and abroad. Adlai became a recognized world leader and a strong advocate for making global connections.