Long live teachers of children, because they can show children how they can save the world.
Pete SeegerRead
I love my country very dearly, and I greatly resent the implication that some of the places I have sung and some of the people that I have known, and some of my opinions, whether they are religious or philosophical, or I might be a vegetarian, make me any less of an American.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Patriotism can encompass diverse beliefs and lifestyles without diminishing one's love for their country.
In this quote, Pete Seeger expresses a strong attachment to his country while confronting the stereotype that certain personal beliefs or lifestyles could detract from his identity as an American. He emphasizes that love for one’s country can coexist with a variety of opinions, values, and practices, thus advocating for a broader understanding of patriotism that includes acceptance of diversity.
Themes
PatriotismDiversityIdentityBeliefsFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
You might use this quote during a debate about national identity and cultural diversity in America.
More from Pete Seeger
All quotes →According to my definition of God, I'm not an atheist. Because I think God is everything. Whenever I open my eyes, I'm looking at God. Whenever I'm listening to something, I'm listening to God.
Pete SeegerRead
Songs are funny things. They can slip across borders. Proliferate in prisons. Penetrate hard shells. I always believed that the right song at the right moment could change history.
Pete SeegerRead
Well, normally I’m against big things. I think the world is going to be saved by millions of small things. Too many things can go wrong when they get big.” — Pete Seeger (on how he felt about attending his big 90th birthday bash last year)
Pete SeegerRead
I’ve never sung anywhere without giving the people listening to me a chance to join in - as a kid, as a lefty, as a man touring the U.S.A. and the world, as an oldster. I guess it’s kind of a religion with me. Participation. That’s what’s going to save the human race.
Pete SeegerRead
I write a song because I want to. I think the moment you start writing it to make money, you're starting to kill yourself artistically.
Pete SeegerRead
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