I have no religion, and at times I wish all religions at the bottom of the sea. He is a weak ruler who needs religion to uphold his government; it is as if he would catch his people in a trap. My people are going to learn the principles of democracy, the dictates of truth and the teachings of science. Superstition must go. Let them worship as they will; every man can follow his own conscience, provided it does not interfere with sane reason or bid him against the liberty of his fellow-men.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of democracy, reason, and freedom over superstition and religious dogma in governance.
Mustafa Kemal Ataturk articulates a vision where governance should rely on reason, scientific understanding, and democratic principles rather than on religion or superstition. He argues that a strong leader should not require religious justification for authority, nor should individuals be trapped by beliefs that limit their freedom and rational thought. Ataturk advocates for a society where personal conscience respects the liberty of others, promoting a secular and rational approach to governance.
In practice
In a speech advocating for secular governance, a leader might quote this to emphasize the separation of church and state.
Would not obeying to my mother's warnings, who is at least 25 years older than me, be returning to the past? And rebelling against her would mean ruining my mother's, who, I am convinced that, is a virtuous high woman, heart and evaluations. I do not find this right, either.
God is my witness that up to now, my only aspiration in life is to be a useful element within the army! I have for long been convinced that, to safeguard the country and give happiness to the people, it is necessary first of all to prove once more to the world that our army is still the old Turkish army.
The necessary thing for anyone to be happy and contented as long as he lives is working for the ones who will come after him rather than working for himself... One can reach the true delight and happiness in the life only by working for the existence, honor, and happiness of the future generations.
On the meeting point of two worlds, the ornament of Turkish homeland, the treasure of Turkish history, the city cherished by the Turkish nation, İstanbul, has its place in the hearts of all citizens.
A nation which makes the final sacrifice for life and freedom does not get beaten.
Ours is a fully democratic government, which in our language we call a people's government.
Belgrade is the ugliest city in the world in the most beautiful place in the world.
I shall revenge myself in the cruelest way you can imagine. I shall forget it.
Our attitude towards immigration reflects our faith in the American ideal. We have always believed it possible for men and women who start at the bottom to rise as far as the talent and energy allow. Neither race nor place of birth should affect their chances.
I have always had trouble recognizing myself in the features of the intellectual playing his political role according to the screenplay that you are familiar with and whose heritage deserves to be questioned.
Where you come from is gone, where you thought you were going to never was there, and where you are is no good unless you can get away from it
All of us take offense to anyone who reaps the rewards of living in America without taking on the responsibilities of living in America. And undocumented immigrants who desperately want to embrace those responsibilities see little option but to remain in the shadows, or risk their families being torn apart.
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