Religion is so frequently a source of confusion in political life, and so frequently dangerous to democracy, precisely because it introduces absolutes into the realm of relative values.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
There are historic situations in which refusal to defend the inheritance of a civilization, however imperfect, against tyranny and aggression may result in consequences even worse than war.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Defending civilization is crucial, even with its flaws, to prevent greater evils.
Reinhold Niebuhr's quote emphasizes the importance of standing up for the values and heritage of a civilization, despite its imperfections. It suggests that in situations of tyranny and aggression, failing to defend oneβs civilization could lead to dire consequences that may surpass the horrors of war itself, highlighting the need for moral courage and responsibility even in difficult circumstances.
Themes
CivilizationTyrannyDefenseInjusticeCourage
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of defending democratic values.
More from Reinhold Niebuhr
All quotes βThe tendency to claim God as an ally for our partisan value and ends is the source of all religious fanaticism.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
The mastery of nature is vainly believed to be an adequate substitute for self mastery.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
All you earnest young men out to save the world. . . please, have a laugh.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
Forgiveness is the final form of love.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed.
Reinhold NiebuhrRead
Similar quotes
Non-violence is a very powerful weapon. Most people don't understand the power of non-violence and tend to be amazed by the whole idea. Those who have been involved in bringing about change and see the difference between violence and non-violence are firmly committed to a lifetime of non-violence, not because it is easy or because it is cowardly, but because it is an effective and very powerful way.
Cesar ChavezRead
The guerrilla band is not to be considered inferior to the army against which it fights simply because it is inferior in fire power.
Che GuevaraRead
Too many people struggled, suffered, and died to make it possible for every American to exercise their right to vote.
John LewisRead
I also know that while I am black I am a human being, and therefore I have the right to go into any public place. White people didn't know that. Every time I tried to go into a place they stopped me.
Stokely CarmichaelRead
She explained that the bullet had entered through the side of my left eye where there was a scar, traveled eighteen inches down to my left shoulder and stopped there. It could have taken out my eye or gone into my brain. It was a miracle I was alive.
Malala YousafzaiRead
Courage isn't the absence of fear, it's just deciding that fear isn't calling the shots anymore
Bob GoffRead