QuoteProject
Admittedly, there is a risk in any course we follow other than this, but every lesson in history tells us that the greater risk lies in appeasement, and this is the specter our well-meaning liberal friends refuse to face.
Ronald Reagan
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote warns against the dangers of appeasement in the face of aggression, suggesting that taking a strong stance is often necessary.

In this quote, Ronald Reagan emphasizes the idea that while taking a firm position against aggression might be risky, the alternative of appeasement poses an even greater threat. He points out that history has shown that yielding to aggressors often leads to more significant problems, urging a more assertive approach to dealing with conflicts. This serves as a reminder of the necessity to confront challenges rather than avoid them, even when it feels uncomfortable or risky.

Themes

RiskAppeasementAggressionHistoryFreedom

In practice

Example use cases

In a political debate discussing foreign policy strategies.

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

An hour's history of two minds is well told in a game of chess.
Jose Raul CapablancaRead
The possession of wealth leads almost inevitably to its abuse. It is the chief, if not the only, cause of evils which desolate this world below. The thirst for gold is responsible for the most regrettable lapses into sin.
Jules VerneRead
The fundamental question of political philosophy, one that precedes questions about how the state should be organized, is whether there should be any state at all. Why not have anarchy?
Robert NozickRead
You know, they've got these chocolate assortments, and you like some but you don't like others? And you eat all the ones you like, and the only ones left are the ones you don't like as much? I always think about that when something painful comes up. Now I just have to polish these off, and everything'll be OK. Life is a box of chocolates. I suppose you could call it a philosophy.
Haruki MurakamiRead
What was once justified as sanctioned by God is now properly reviled as an unconscionable violation of human rights.
Hillary ClintonRead
It is always possible to argue against an interpretation, to confront interpretations, to arbitrate between them and to seek for an agreement, even if this agreement remains beyond our reach.
Paul RicoeurRead

A little wisdom, now and then

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