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Now, so there will be no misunderstanding, it's not my intention to do away with government. It is rather to make it work - work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back. Government can and must provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it.
Ronald Reagan
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote advocates for a government that supports its people rather than controls them.

In this quote, Ronald Reagan emphasizes the importance of a government that collaborates with its citizens to create opportunities and foster productivity. Rather than imposing excessive control, he argues that government should empower individuals, enabling them to thrive and succeed through support and partnership.

Themes

GovernmentOpportunityProductivitySupportEmpowerment

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech about the role of government in society.

More from Ronald Reagan

Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
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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.
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I'm spending more time at this library in four days than I did at the Eureka College Library in four years.
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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.
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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."
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We must have faith in the people of this country and faith in our principles.
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