I'm a person who has always believed that you tell people the truth, and they'll make reasonable decisions. Truth is powerful.
John F. KerryRead
My definition of patriotism is to defend your country with the truth, no matter the consequences.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Patriotism involves defending one's country through honesty, regardless of potential repercussions.
In this quote, John F. Kerry emphasizes that true patriotism is rooted in the commitment to uphold truth, even when it leads to personal or political consequences. It suggests that the moral obligation to be truthful about one's nation should take precedence over blind loyalty, advocating for integrity and accountability as essential components of loving and serving one's country.
Themes
PatriotismTruthCourageIntegrityCountry
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about civic responsibility, one could reference this quote to highlight the importance of transparency in governance.
More from John F. Kerry
All quotes βConfronting climate change is, in the long run, one of the greatest challenges that we face, and you can see this duty or responsibility laid down in scriptures, clearly.
John F. KerryRead
Unlike Washington, which is stuck in ideological gridlock, Americans feel the impact of climate change in their own hometowns and they know something must be done.
John F. KerryRead
Here I am in the state of New Mexico. George Bush is still in the state of denial. New Mexico has five electoral votes. The state of denial has none. I like my chances.
John F. KerryRead
Democracy relies on free speech. Yes, say anything you want, but it relies even more on the speech being truthful. It is the truth, after all, that sets us free.
John F. KerryRead
War should be not a war of choice; it should be a war of necessity. And it should be a last resort.
John F. KerryRead
Similar quotes
It is the character of a brave and resolute man not to be ruffled by adversity and not to desert his post.
Marcus Tullius CiceroRead
I believe that anyone can conquer fear by doing the things he fears to do, provided he keeps doing them until he gets a record of successful experience behind him.
Eleanor RooseveltRead
But if we have been willing to give our lives to this enterprise, which is for the honour of our country, I appeal to our countrymen to see that those who depend on us are properly cared for.
Robert Falcon ScottRead
For the only great men among the unfree and the oppressed are those who struggle to destroy the oppressor.
Walter RodneyRead
One whose spirit and mental strength have been strengthened by sparring with a never-say-die attitude should find no challenge too great to handle. One who has undergone long years of physical pain and mental agony to learn one punch, one kick, should be able to face any task, no matter how difficult, and carry it through to the end. A person like this can truly be said to have learned karate.
Gichin FunakoshiRead
The first principle of non-violent action is that of non-cooperation with everything humiliating.
Cesar ChavezRead