The most important accomplishment, I believe, was my voting against the First World War.
Jeannette RankinRead
I want to stand by my country, but I cannot vote for war.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the conflict between patriotism and the moral objection to war.
Jeannette Rankin's statement highlights the struggle of balancing loyalty to one's country with ethical principles. She emphasizes that true patriotism should not demand blind support for all government actions, especially when those actions involve violence and war, reinforcing the idea that moral integrity should take precedence over nationalism.
Themes
PatriotismWarMoralityCountryPeace
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech concerning military action, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of ethical considerations over nationalistic fervor.
More from Jeannette Rankin
All quotes βThere can be no compromise with war; it cannot be reformed or controlled; cannot be disciplined into decency or codified into common sense.
Jeannette RankinRead
As a woman I can't go to war, and I refuse to send anyone else.
Jeannette RankinRead
I worked for suffrage for years, and got it. I've worked for peace for 55 years and haven't come close.
Jeannette RankinRead
Small use it will be to save democracy for the race if we cannot save the race for democracy.
Jeannette RankinRead
It will be hard to convince people that their welfare is safe in the hands of a federal government when they feel themselves the victims of unjust sectional discrimination.
Jeannette RankinRead
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