Our greatest leaders are neither dreamers nor dictators: They are, like Jefferson, those who articulate national aspirations yet master the mechanics of influence and know when to depart from dogma.
Jon MeachamRead
In America, now, let us - Christian, Jew, Muslim, agnostic, atheist, wiccan, whatever - fight nativism with the same strength and conviction that we fight terrorism. My faith calls on its followers to love one's enemies. A tall order, that - perhaps the tallest of all.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the need for unity in the face of divisions and encourages love over hate, urging people to fight against nativism as they would against terrorism.
In this quote, Jon Meacham calls for all individuals, regardless of their religious or non-religious beliefs, to unite against nativism with the same fervor used to combat terrorism. He highlights the importance of love and compassion towards adversaries, illustrating the difficult yet essential responsibility placed upon people of faith and conscience to transcend hate and division in today's world.
Themes
UnityLoveNativismTerrorismCompassion
In practice
Example use cases
During an interfaith dialogue, this quote can inspire participants to embrace love and cooperation.
More from Jon Meacham
All quotes →It would be wonderful if the public sector were always great, or always terrible; or if the private sector were always great, or always terrible. Alas, reality is more complicated than comforting caricatures. Governments fail, and corporations fail.
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As crucial as religion has been and is to the life of the nation, America's unifying force has never been a specific faith, but a commitment to freedom - not least freedom of conscience.
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The perennial conviction that those who work hard and play by the rules will be rewarded with a more comfortable present and a stronger future for their children faces assault from just about every direction. That great enemy of democratic capitalism, economic inequality, is real and growing.
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A wise nation should cultivate a political spirit that allows opponents to cooperate without fearing an automatic execution from their core supporters. Who knew that the real rogues in American politics would be the ones who dare to get along?
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One of the earliest resurrection scenes in the Bible is that of Thomas demanding evidence - he wanted to see, to touch, to prove. Those who question and probe and debate are heirs of the apostles just as much as the most fervent of believers.
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