Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
Ronald ReaganRead
Our nation was built and civilized by men and women who used guns in self-defense and in pursuit of peace. One wonders indeed, if the rising crime rate, isn't due as much as anything to the criminal's instinctive knowledge that the average victim no longer has means of self-protection.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the historical role of self-defense in society and questions the correlation between crime rates and the means of self-protection available to individuals.
Ronald Reagan's quote reflects on the foundational role that the use of firearms for self-defense played in the establishment of the nation. He suggests that as society has evolved, the ability of the average citizen to protect themselves has diminished, which may contribute to an increase in crime, as criminals may feel emboldened by the lack of self-defense among potential victims.
Themes
Self-DefenseCrimeProtectionSocietyFreedom
In practice
Example use cases
In a public debate about gun control, this quote can be used to illustrate the importance of the right to self-defense.
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.
Ronald ReaganRead
I'm spending more time at this library in four days than I did at the Eureka College Library in four years.
Ronald ReaganRead
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.
Ronald ReaganRead
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."
Ronald ReaganRead
We must have faith in the people of this country and faith in our principles.
Ronald ReaganRead
Similar quotes
Luke warm people are continually concerned with playing it safe; they are slaves to the god of control. This focus on safe living keeps them from sacrificing and risking for God.
Francis ChanRead
Self-censorship is insulting to the self. Timidity is a hopeless way forward.
Ai WeiweiRead
I have never had a vote, and I have raised hell all over this country. You don't need a vote to raise hell! You need convictions and a voice!
Mary Harris JonesRead
The true meaning of courage is to be afraid, and then, with your knees knocking and your heart racing, to step out anyway—even when that step makes sense to nobody but you. I know that’s not easy. But making a bold move is the only way to truly advance toward the grandest vision the universe has for you.
Oprah WinfreyRead
The secret principle of martial arts is not vanquishing the attacker, but resolving to avoid an encounter before its occurrence. To become an object of an attack is an indication that there was an opening in one's guard, and the important thing is to be on guard at all times.
Gichin FunakoshiRead
On our knees we are the most powerful force on earth
Billy GrahamRead