Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
Going around this country, I have found a great hunger in America for spiritual revival; for a belief that law must be based on a higher law; for a return to traditions and values that we once had. Our government, in its most sacred documents - the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence and all - speak of man being created, of a Creator; that we're a nation under God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of spiritual values and higher principles in governance and society.
Ronald Reagan's quote reflects a deep yearning within America for a revival of spiritual and moral values that transcend mere legal frameworks. He suggests that true governance should harmonize with higher laws and the foundational beliefs articulated in the nation's core documents, which recognize a Creator and underscore the idea of being a nation under God. This call for a return to traditional values implies that the health of the nation relies not just on political structures but also on shared beliefs and ethical standards.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a community meeting discussing local values, one might quote Reagan to emphasize the need for moral foundations.
More from Ronald Reagan
All quotes →Our status as a free society and world power is not based on brute strength. When we've taken up arms, it has been for the defense of freedom for ourselves and for other peaceful nations who needed our help. But now, faced with the development of weapons with immense destructive power, we've no choice but to maintain ready defense forces that are second to none. Yes, the cost is high, but the price of neglect would be infinitely higher.
I'm spending more time at this library in four days than I did at the Eureka College Library in four years.
I'm not a politician by profession. I am a citizen who decided I had to be personally involved in order to stand up for my own values and beliefs. My candidacy is based on my record, and for that matter, my entire life.
My fellow citizens, our nation is poised for greatness. We must do what we know is right, and do it with all our might. Let history say of us: "These were golden years - when the American Revolution was reborn, when freedom gained new life, and America reached for her best."
We must have faith in the people of this country and faith in our principles.
Similar quotes
It's never acceptable to target civilians. It violates the Geneva Accords, it violates the international law of war and it violates all principles of morality.
In racing, there is no question who is best - the first one to cross the finish line wins first prize. But with wine, even if you make the best wine in the world, someone isn't going to like it, because it isn't their style. Judging wine is very subjective.
We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.
In Chinese, the word for heart and mind is the same -- Hsin. For when the heart is open and the mind is clear they are of one substance, of one essence.
I have laughed, in bitterness and agony of heart, at the contrast between what I seem and what I am!
Ancient Egyptians believed that upon death they would be asked two questions and their answers would determine whether they could continue their journey in the afterlife. The first question was, 'Did you bring joy?' The second was, 'Did you find joy?