Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
Ronald ReaganRead
Our spirit is back, but we haven't reinstitutionalized it. We've got to do a better job of getting across that America is freedom - freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of enterprise. And freedom is special and rare. It's fragile; it needs production [protection].
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of protecting the freedoms that define America, such as free speech and religion.
Ronald Reagan's quote reflects the necessity of acknowledging and safeguarding the foundational freedoms that characterize American society. He highlights that while the spirit of freedom is present, it requires active maintenance and reinforcement through institutional efforts, as these freedoms are both precious and vulnerable to erosion without collective vigilance and commitment.
Themes
FreedomSpeechProtectionValuesAmerica
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on Independence Day, one might reflect on Reagan's words about the importance of freedom.
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
There is no force that can put an end to the human quest for freedom, and China will, in the end, become a nation ruled by law, where human rights reign supreme.
Liu XiaoboRead
You put a tattoo on yourself with the knowledge that this body is yours to have and enjoy while you're here. You have fun with it, and nobody else can control (supposedly) what you do with it. That's why tattooing is such a big thing in prison: it's an expression of freedom—one of the only expressions of freedom there. They can lock you down, control everything, but 'I've got my mind, and I can tattoo my body—alter it my way as an act of personal will.'
Don Ed HardyRead
I was heartened that people everywhere want certain basic freedoms, even if they live in a totally different cultural environment.
Aung San Suu KyiRead
I don't want anything from Cuba. I want them to be free and enjoy the things I enjoy.
Gloria EstefanRead
Freedom is something that dies unless it's used.
Hunter S. ThompsonRead
Those who created this country chose freedom. With all of its dangers. And do you know the riskiest part of that choice they made? They actually believed that we could be trusted to make up our own minds in the whirl of differing ideas. That we could be trusted to remain free, even when there were very, very seductive voices - taking advantage of our freedom of speech - who were trying to turn this country into the kind of place where the government could tell you what you can and cannot do.
Nat HentoffRead