Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
Ronald ReaganRead
Freedom is always just one generation away from extinction. We don't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. We have to fight for it and protect it and then hand it to them, so that they shall do the same, or we're going to find ourselves spending our sunset years telling our children and our children's children, about a time in America, back in the day, when men and women were free.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Freedom must be actively defended and passed on to future generations.
This quote reflects the idea that freedom is not inherently guaranteed or inherited; rather, it requires conscious effort, commitment, and vigilance to preserve. If each generation does not actively protect and pass on the values and practices necessary for freedom, it risks being lost, leaving future generations to hear only tales of what once was rather than having the freedom themselves.
Themes
FreedomGenerationsFightProtectLiberty
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on Independence Day, one could use this quote to emphasize the importance of keeping the spirit of freedom alive.
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.
Ronald ReaganRead
I'm spending more time at this library in four days than I did at the Eureka College Library in four years.
Ronald ReaganRead
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.
Ronald ReaganRead
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."
Ronald ReaganRead
We must have faith in the people of this country and faith in our principles.
Ronald ReaganRead
Similar quotes
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Individuals cannot be free if there are impediments to reaching their full potential as human beings.
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I could never live happily in Africa-or anywhere else-until I could live freely in Mississippi.
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I shall take my voice wherever there are those who want to hear the melody of freedom
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Freedom is neither guaranteed nor automatic; not even in the United States. Left unguarded, it can slip away like a thief in the night.
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It's important to me that I should be free to express myself.
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