...eating at the foundations of things we hold dear... (Para. 32)
eat (away) at: to damage or destroy something bit by bit
The river is eating away at the bank. 這條河流正慢慢侵蝕著河堤。
foundation: n. 1. the idea, law, or fact on which something is based
My physics book is called Foundation of Physics; it covers all the basic theories. 我的物理書名為《基礎物理》。這本書涵蓋了所有的基本理論。
The foundation of that building is weak; it may fall down.這幢建筑物的地基很差，可能會倒塌。
2. an organization established with money so that it may continue into the future
Her university study is paid for by a scholarship from a private foundation. 她的學費是由一家私立基金會的獎學金來支付的。
The research of scientists is often supported by money from foundations. 科學家的科研經費常常得到基金會的支持。
hold dear: to value a great deal; care greatly.
These are the ideas we hold dear. 這些正是我們所珍視的信念。