QuoteProject
We do not deny any nation's legitimate interest in security. But protecting the security of one nation by robbing another of its national independence and national traditions is not legitimate. In the long run, it is not even secure.
Ronald Reagan
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

National security must not come at the cost of another country's independence and traditions.

In this quote, Ronald Reagan emphasizes the importance of respecting the sovereignty and cultural heritage of nations while addressing security concerns. He argues that true security cannot be achieved through the oppression or exploitation of others, as this undermines the foundational principles of independence and can lead to long-term instability for the aggressor.

Themes

SecurityIndependenceTraditionLegitimacyPeace

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech addressing international relations, one might use this quote to illustrate the need for mutual respect among nations.

More from Ronald Reagan

Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
Ronald ReaganRead
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

What matters is that the majority of American people have become complacent in a senseless injustice that occurs all around them. What matters is that most American politicians have become more easily swayed by money than by the people who voted them into office.
Emma GonzalezRead
Allow the president to invade a neighboring nation whenever he shall deem it necessary to repel an invasion,and you allow him to do so whenever he may choose to say he deems it necessary for such purpose - and you allow him to make war at pleasure.
Abraham LincolnRead
Every government is a parliament of whores. The trouble is, in a democracy, the whores are us.
P. J. O'RourkeRead
The Bush Administration do have moral values. Their moral values are very explicit: shine the boots of the rich and the powerful, kick everybody else in the face, and let your grandchildren pay for it. That simple principle predicts almost everything that's happening.
Noam ChomskyRead
Terrorism is the war of the poor, and war is the terrorism of the rich.
Peter UstinovRead
It would be folly to argue that the people cannot make political mistakes. They can and do make grave mistakes. They know it, they pay the penalty, but compared with the mistakes which have been made by every kind of autocracy they are unimportant.
Calvin CoolidgeRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.

Quote by Ronald Reagan | QuoteProject