Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
I believe that communism is another sad, bizarre chapter in human history whose last pages even now are being written. I believe this because the source of our strength in the quest for human freedom is not material, but spiritual. And because it knows no limitation, it must terrify and ultimately triumph over those who would enslave their fellow men.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the spiritual strength behind the quest for freedom, contrasting it with materialism and suggesting that ultimate triumph is possible against oppression.
Ronald Reagan reflects on communism as a tragic chapter in human history, asserting that true strength in the pursuit of freedom comes from spiritual rather than material sources. This spiritual strength is boundless, providing hope that it can overpower oppressive forces that seek to enslave others. In essence, Reagan posits that the essence of human freedom is rooted in values that transcend physical possessions, making it a powerful force for change in the world.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of spiritual values in social justice movements.
More from Ronald Reagan
All quotes βOur 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
The statesman who should attempt to direct private people in what manner they ought to employ their capitals would not only load himself with most unnecessary attention but assume an authority which could safely be trusted to no council and senate whatever, and which would nowhere be so dangerous as in the hands of man who have folly and presumption enough to fancy himself fit to exercise it.
We cannot confront solitude without moral resources.
I don't think there's an interesting boundary between philosophy and science. Science is totally beholden to philosophy. There are philosophical assumptions in science and there's no way to get around that.
Those who can win a war well can rarely make a good peace and those who could make a good peace would never have won the war.
I define anarchist society as one where there is no legal possibility for coercive aggression against the person or property of any individual. Anarchists oppose the State because it has its very being in such aggression, namely, the expropriation of private property through taxation, the coercive exclusion of other providers of defense service from its territory, and all of the other depredations and coercions that are built upon these twin foci of invasions of individual rights.
The first question here, then, is not "What is best for my soul?" nor is it even "What is most useful to humanity?" But-transcending both these limited aims-what function must this life fulfill in the great and secret economy of God?