May the sun never set on American baseball.
Harry S. TrumanRead
There is no more fundamental axiom of American freedom than the familiar statement: In a free country we punish men for the crimes they commit but never for the opinions they have.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Freedom of opinion is a foundational principle in America, distinguishing between actions and beliefs.
This quote by Harry S. Truman emphasizes that in a free society, individuals are held accountable for their actions, but their thoughts and opinions should be protected. The statement reflects the core American value of free expression, suggesting that one’s personal beliefs should not be punished or censored while recognizing that criminal actions warrant consequences.
Themes
FreedomOpinionsJusticeAmericaResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about civil rights, one might evoke this quote to underscore the importance of protecting free speech.
More from Harry S. Truman
All quotes →Having found the bomb we have used it. We have used it against those who attacked us without warning at Pearl Harbor, against those who have starved and beaten and executed American prisoners of war, against those who have abandoned all pretense of obeying international laws of warfare. We have used it in order to shorten the agony of war, in order to save the lives of thousands and thousands of young Americans.
Harry S. TrumanRead
Herbert Hoover once ran on the slogan, 'Two cars in every garage'. Apparently, the Republican candidate this year is running on the slogan, 'Two families in every garage'.
Harry S. TrumanRead
The only things worth learning are the things you learn after you know it all.
Harry S. TrumanRead
I never would have agreed to the formulation of the Central Intelligence Agency back in forty-seven, if I had known it would become the American Gestapo.
Harry S. TrumanRead
I would rather have peace in the world than be President.
Harry S. TrumanRead
Similar quotes
A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder. Fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won.
Joseph CampbellRead
A stand can be made against invasion by an army; no stand can be made against invasion by an idea.
Victor HugoRead
The shadow is a moral problem that challenges the whole ego-personality, for no one can become conscious of the shadow without considerable moral effort.
Carl JungRead
Democracy is when the indigent, and not the men of property, are the rulers.
AristotleRead
To knock a thing down, especially if it is cocked at an arrogant angle, is a deep delight of the blood.
George SantayanaRead
If you seek authenticity for authenticity's sake you are no longer authentic.
Jean-Paul SartreRead