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 →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
If you're an atheist, you know, you believe, this is the only life you're going to get. It's a precious life. It's a beautiful life. Its something we should live to the full, to the end of our days. Where if you're religious and you believe in another life somehow, that means you don't live this life to the full because you think you're going to get another one. That's an awfully negative way to live a life. Being a atheist frees you up to live this life properly, happily and fully
It is in life as it is in ways, the shortest way is commonly the foulest, and surely the fairer way is not much about.
We are like plants which have the one choice of being in or out of the light.
Man is not constituted to take pleasure in the same things always.
Man can sin against nature in two ways. First, when he sins against his specific rational nature, acting contrary to reason. In this sense, we can say that every sin is a sin against man's nature, because it is against man's right reason.
Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water.