Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
Government is never more dangerous than when our desire to have it help us blinds us to its great power to harm us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote warns against the danger of relying too heavily on government assistance, as it can lead to a loss of awareness about its potential for harm.
Ronald Reagan's quote serves as a cautionary reminder that while government can provide support and assistance, there is a fine line between seeking help and becoming overly dependent on it. When citizens are blinded by their desire for government aid, they may overlook the extensive power that government holds, which can be used for harm rather than good. It highlights the importance of vigilance and awareness regarding the influence and capabilities of government in our lives.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of limited government.
More from Ronald Reagan
All quotes βOur 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.
Similar quotes
Party and ideology routinely trump institutional interests and responsibilities. Regular order - the set of rules, norms and traditions designed to ensure a fair and transparent process - was the first casualty. The results: No serious deliberation. No meaningful oversight of the executive. A culture of corruption.
British rule depends upon repression and collaboration and the Irish people should recognise that those who collaborate with Britain in exchange for a slice of the cake will implement British policy and remain silent when Irish people are murdered and oppressed. It is they who are responsible for prolonging the war in Ireland. Without the quislings, without the collaborators, we would already have reached freedom.
Since I entered politics, I have chiefly had men's views confided to me privately. Some of the biggest men in the United States, in the field of commerce and manufacture, are afraid of somebody, are afraid of something. They know that there is a power somewhere so organized, so subtle, so watchful, so interlocked, so complete, so pervasive, that they had better not speak above their breath when they speak in condemnation of it.
Those who are politically apathetic can only survive if they are supported by people who are capable of taking action.
The great constitutional corrective in the hands of the people against usurpation of power, or corruption by their agents is the right of suffrage; and this when used with calmness and deliberation will prove strong enough.
As the age of television progresses the Reagans will be the rule, not the exception. To be perfect for television is all a President has to be these days.