What Makes Glenn Beck 'Optimistic'? His Speech at the 'GameChanger' Event in Dallas Lets You Know

Glenn Beck (Credit: Getty Images North America)

Glenn Beck joined sports stars, coaches and other personalities as a featured speaker at the GameChanger Leadership Summit in Dallas on Monday where he urged people to believe in the incredible things we can accomplish as Americans.

"I am a guy that is known for being less than optimistic about things," Beck told the audience. "But I will tell you, my optimism comes when I see people who believe they can make a difference. My pessimism comes when I look across the country and see too many people who no longer believe in what we can do -- or worse yet, no longer care."

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To help make his point, Beck read from a profoundly inspirational letter sent by Neil Armstrong to one of his friend's children:

In my work, I depended on many people. In space flight whether it be a fellow crewman or a flight controller in mission control on earth, i was often trusting that person with my life. When you depend on others, you want to be able to trust them. You want to be able to know that they say what they mean and mean what they say. And they will want to feel the same about you. Your word should always be beyond question.

[…]

The one thing that cannot be taken from you without your consent is your character, which includes your beliefs, your ethics and your principles. So guard them with care. They are your most valuable possessions.

The 21st century has much promise. Remarkable things may be created and achieved. And each of you will have the opportunity to play a role in achieving and creating a better world. I know you will try. Good luck!! I wish I had your future.

"If we are to beat the game of life, we must know who we are, we must know who God is," Beck said, reflecting on Armstrong's letter. "We must relentlessly seek the truth and then apply that truth in our lives relentlessly, with every bit of us, with every fiber in our being and with every thought."

"Great things may be achieved and accomplished if we try, and if we behave like men and women determined to be free," he concluded.

Beck spoke before Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas and NFL quarterback Tim Tebow. Other speakers at the GameChanger event included former NFL player and founder of Transformation Church Derwin L. Gray and Grant Teaff, whose career as a college coach has placed him in eight Halls of Fame.