It's important that we elevate and primarily focus on the rights of American citizens, but it's also important that we don't forget, 95 percent of the world's population lives beyond our own borders.
Edward SnowdenRead
Even though we may focus first on the rights of our own country, that does not mean that we should disregard the rights of everyone else.
Interpretation
What this quote means
National interests should not overshadow global human rights.
Edward Snowden's quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing the rights of individuals beyond one's own national borders. While it's natural to prioritize one's own country's interests, it is crucial to maintain a commitment to universal human rights, suggesting a responsibility to advocate for justice and equality for all people, irrespective of their nationality.
Themes
Human RightsJusticeGlobal ResponsibilityNational InterestEquality
In practice
Example use cases
During a human rights conference, this quote can serve as a reminder to prioritize global justice.
More from Edward Snowden
All quotes βI think the most important idea is to remember that there have been times throughout American history where what is right is not the same as what is legal.
Edward SnowdenRead
Congress hasn't declared war on the countries - the majority of them are our allies - but without asking for public permission, NSA is running network operations against them that affect millions of innocent people. And for what? So we can have secret access to a computer in a country we're not even fighting?
Edward SnowdenRead
A child born today will grow up with no conception of privacy at all.
Edward SnowdenRead
Being called a traitor by Dick Cheney is the highest honor you can give an American, and the more panicked talk we hear from people like him... the better off we all are.
Edward SnowdenRead
I don't see myself as a hero because what I'm doing is self-interested: I don't want to live in a world where there's no privacy and therefore no room for intellectual exploration and creativity.
Edward SnowdenRead
Similar quotes
For, while the tale of how we suffer, and how we are delighted, and how we may triumph is never new, it always must be heard. There isn't any other tale to tell, it's the only light we've got in all this darkness.
James A. BaldwinRead
The capitalists owned everything in the world, and everyone else was their slave. They owned all the land, all the houses, all the factories, and all the money. If anyone disobeyed them they could throw him into prison, or they could take his job away and starve him to death. When any ordinary person spoke to a capitalist he had to cringe and bow to him, and take off his cap and address him as 'Sir'
George OrwellRead
In prayerful silence you must look into your own heart. No one can tell you better than yourself what comes between you and God. Ask yourself. Then listen!
Johannes TaulerRead
To die is different from what any one supposed, and luckier.
Walt WhitmanRead
Fame must have enemies, as light must have gnats.
Victor HugoRead
Bureaucracy is a giant mechanism operated by pygmies.
Honore De BalzacRead