Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
I believe that communism is another sad, bizarre chapter in human history whose last pages even now are being written. I believe this because the source of our strength in the quest for human freedom is not material, but spiritual. And because it knows no limitation, it must terrify and ultimately triumph over those who would enslave their fellow men.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the spiritual strength behind the quest for freedom, contrasting it with materialism and suggesting that ultimate triumph is possible against oppression.
Ronald Reagan reflects on communism as a tragic chapter in human history, asserting that true strength in the pursuit of freedom comes from spiritual rather than material sources. This spiritual strength is boundless, providing hope that it can overpower oppressive forces that seek to enslave others. In essence, Reagan posits that the essence of human freedom is rooted in values that transcend physical possessions, making it a powerful force for change in the world.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of spiritual values in social justice movements.
More from Ronald Reagan
All quotes βOur 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.
I'm spending more time at this library in four days than I did at the Eureka College Library in four years.
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.
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."
We must have faith in the people of this country and faith in our principles.
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Man [is] a rational animal, endowed by nature with rights and with an innate sense of justice.
The native American has been generally despised by his white conquerors for his poverty and simplicity. They forget, perhaps, that his religion forbade the accumulation of wealth and the enjoyment of luxury... Furthermore, it was the rule of his life to share the fruits of his skill and success with his less fortunate brothers. Thus he kept his spirit free from the clog of pride, cupidity, or envy, and carried out, as he believed, the divine decree-a matter profoundly important to him.
Confine yourself to the present.
...skepticism can never provide firm ground under a man's feet. And perhaps, after all, we need firm ground.
Your Highest Self is not just an idea that sounds lofty and spiritual. It is a way of being. It is the very first principle that you must come to understand and embrace as you move toward attracting to you that which you want and need for this parenthesis in eternity that you know as your life.
It isn't like the rest of the country - it is like a nation itself - more tolerant than the rest in a curious way. Littleness gets swallowed up here. All the viciousness that makes other cities vicious is sucked up and absorbed in New York.