QuoteProject
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].
Ronald Reagan
ShareWTF𝕏

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

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

We look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way. The third is freedom from want. The fourth is freedom from fear.
Franklin D. RooseveltRead
The United States gave me opportunities that my country of origin could not: freedom of the press and complete freedom of expression.
Jorge RamosRead
In order to be able to live at all in America I must be unafraid to live anywhere in it, and I must be able to live in the fashion and with whom I choose.
Alice WalkerRead
I don't want to be president, but I want to be free to decide whether or not I want to be president of this country.
Aung San Suu KyiRead
Freedom is something that dies unless it's used.
Hunter S. ThompsonRead
Freedom is neither guaranteed nor automatic; not even in the United States. Left unguarded, it can slip away like a thief in the night.
Joy ReidRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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