I doubt very much if a man whose main literary interests were in works by Mr. Zane Grey, admirable as they may be, is particularly equipped to be the chief executive of this country, particularly where Indian Affairs are concerned.
Dean AchesonRead
No people in history have ever survived who thought they could protect their freedom by making themselves inoffensive to their enemies.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True freedom cannot be maintained by appeasing those who seek to undermine it.
This quote by Dean Acheson emphasizes the idea that survival and the preservation of freedom require standing firm against oppression rather than trying to avoid conflict by being non-threatening. It suggests that attempting to appease adversaries may lead to a loss of freedom, as it indicates a relinquishing of one's own principles and strength in the face of opposition.
Themes
FreedomCourageOppressionConflictStrength
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech advocating for civil rights.
More from Dean Acheson
All quotes βNegotiating in the classic diplomatic sense assumes parties more anxious to agree than to disagree.
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The great corrupter of public man is the ego. Looking at the mirror distracts one's attention from the problem.
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The manner in which one endures what must be endured is more important than the thing that must be endured.
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Negotiation in the classic diplomatic sense assumes parties more anxious to agree than to disagree.
Dean AchesonRead
I learned from the example of my father that the manner in which one endures what must be endured is more important than the thing that must be endured.
Dean AchesonRead
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