Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
The glory of this land has been its capacity for transcending the moral evils of our past. For example, the long struggle of minority citizens for equal rights, once a source of disunity and civil war, is now a point of pride for all Americans. We must never go back. There is no room for racism, anti-Semitism, or other forms of ethnic and racial hatred in this country.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote stresses the importance of recognizing and overcoming past moral failings to achieve unity and pride in equality.
In this quote, Ronald Reagan emphasizes the significance of acknowledging the historical injustices faced by minority citizens in the United States. He highlights that the struggle for equal rights, which once caused division and conflict, has ultimately become a source of national pride. Reagan warns against regressing to a society that permits racism and other forms of hatred, urging a commitment to uphold the values of equality and unity moving forward. This reflection serves as a reminder of the continuous need for moral progress and the rejection of intolerance.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on civil rights, one might reference this quote to emphasize the progress made in the United States.
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.
I'm spending more time at this library in four days than I did at the Eureka College Library in four years.
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.
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."
We must have faith in the people of this country and faith in our principles.
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That is our generation’s task - to make these words, these rights, these values of life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness real for every American.
I’ve also been reminded recently that while as a society we are moving toward greater inclusion and equality for all people, the tide of history only advances when people make themselves fully visible.
There are those who still think they are holding the pass against a revolution that may be coming up the road. But they are gazing in the wrong direction. The revolution is behind them. It went by in the Night of Depression, singing songs to freedom.
I don't know if any genuine, meaningful change could ever result from a song. It's kind of like throwing peanuts at a gorilla.