In "A Country of Strangers," David K. Shipler emphasizes the importance of a society's ability to self-correct, which is crucial for its growth and improvement. He argues that for a society to be truly adaptive and progressive, it must be transparent and honest about its flaws and challenges. Without this openness, the process of self-correction becomes impossible.

Shipler highlights that understanding and acknowledging societal issues, particularly those related to race and inequality, is fundamental to fostering a community that can learn from its mistakes and work towards a better future. This sentiment underscores the need for dialogue and reflection within a society to navigate its complexities and move forward.