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I've always felt, in all my books, that there's a deep decency in the American people and a native intelligence - providing they have the facts, providing they have the information.
Studs Terkel
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote expresses a belief in the fundamental goodness and intelligence of the American people when given the right information.

Studs Terkel's quote suggests that he has a strong faith in the inherent decency and intelligence of individuals in America. He emphasizes that this positive nature emerges when people are equipped with accurate information, indicating that knowledge and truth play crucial roles in fostering understanding and moral behavior in society.

Themes

DecencyIntelligenceFactsInformationGoodness

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of education in fostering a better society.

More from Studs Terkel

More and more we are into communications; and less and less into communication.
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When it comes to the news, the corporate view is `objective,' all else is propaganda.
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Think of what's stored in an 80- or a 90-year-old mind. Just marvel at it. You've got to get out this information, this knowledge, because you've got something to pass on. There'll be nobody like you ever again. Make the most of every molecule you've got as long as you've got a second to go.
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Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: This is my community, and it is my responsibility to make it better. Interweave all these communities and you really have an America that is back on its feet again. I really think we are gonna have to reassess what constitutes a 'hero'.
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We are the most powerful nation in the world, but we're not the only nation in the world. We are not the only people in the world. We are an important people, the wealthiest, the most powerful and, to a great extent, generous. But we are part of the world.
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I read somewhere that when a person takes part in community action, his health improves. Something happens to him or to her biologically. It's like a tonic.
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