I'm a person who has always believed that you tell people the truth, and they'll make reasonable decisions. Truth is powerful.
John F. KerryRead
Values spoken without actions taken are merely slogans.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Actions are essential to give meaning to our values and beliefs.
This quote emphasizes the importance of aligning one's actions with their values. It suggests that simply stating values or beliefs without taking concrete actions to support them renders those values empty or insincere, effectively reducing them to mere slogans without any real impact or significance.
Themes
ValuesActionsSlogansBeliefsIntegrity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about corporate responsibility, a leader could say this quote to highlight the need for companies to back their values with action.
More from John F. Kerry
All quotes βConfronting climate change is, in the long run, one of the greatest challenges that we face, and you can see this duty or responsibility laid down in scriptures, clearly.
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Unlike Washington, which is stuck in ideological gridlock, Americans feel the impact of climate change in their own hometowns and they know something must be done.
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Here I am in the state of New Mexico. George Bush is still in the state of denial. New Mexico has five electoral votes. The state of denial has none. I like my chances.
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Democracy relies on free speech. Yes, say anything you want, but it relies even more on the speech being truthful. It is the truth, after all, that sets us free.
John F. KerryRead
War should be not a war of choice; it should be a war of necessity. And it should be a last resort.
John F. KerryRead
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