Final answer:
The speaker's opinion of society is that despite material success, it faces a new challenge of using that wealth wisely to improve the nation's quality of life and advance civilization, with an emphasis on building the Great Society that enriches cities, countrysides, and schools.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the first half of his speech, the speaker believes that society has achieved considerable material wealth but now faces the challenge of utilizing that wealth wisely to enhance the quality of life and elevate the civilization. The speaker, likely President Lyndon B. Johnson, is focused on the concept of building a Great Society, which aims to address the issues of urban decay, the erosion of community values, and to promote a rich life of the mind and spirit.
Johnson engages with the students by referring to their own endeavors, particularly mentioning the Peace Corps, which was started at a university. This connection illustrates his belief in the pivotal role of the younger generation in addressing societal challenges. Furthermore, he emphasizes the importance of creating a society that prioritizes the betterment of its cities, countryside, and classrooms, which he sees as foundational to achieving a greater civilization.
In his speech, Johnson also incorporates pathos by using emotionally-charged language to stir the audience's concern for the degradation of natural spaces and cultural values. By doing so, he is connecting on an emotional level with listeners, fostering a sense of urgency and common purpose.