Civil government cannot let any group ride roughshod over others simply because their consciences tell them to do so.
Robert H. JacksonRead
To believe that patriotism will not flourish if patriotic ceremonies are voluntary and spontaneous instead of a compulsory routine is to make an unflattering estimate of the appeal of our institutions to free minds.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Patriotism thrives on genuine expression rather than enforced routines.
In this quote, Robert H. Jackson argues that true patriotism is rooted in voluntary and authentic expressions of national pride, rather than obligatory and ritualistic ceremonies. He suggests that if people believe they need to be compelled to show their love for their country, it reflects poorly on the value of the principles that underpin a free society and the natural inclination of free minds to embrace their nation's ideals.
Themes
PatriotismFreedomVoluntaryCeremonyInstitutions
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about national unity, one might reference this quote to emphasize the importance of authentic expressions of patriotism.
More from Robert H. Jackson
All quotes →While the Nation has forbidden monopoly by one set of laws it has been creating them by another. Patent laws, valuable as they may be in some respects, often father monopoly.
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Freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter much. That would be a mere shadow of freedom. The test of its substance is the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order.
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In our country are evangelists and zealots of many different political, economic and religious persuasions whose fanatical conviction is that all thought is divinely classified into two kinds - that which is their own and that which is false and dangerous.
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We must make clear to the Germans that the wrong for which their fallen leaders are on trial is not that they lost the war, but that they started it. And we must not allow ourselves to be drawn into a trial of the causes of the war, for our position is that no grievances or policies will justify resort to aggressive war. It is utterly renounced and condemned as an instrument of policy.
Robert H. JacksonRead
Our forefathers found the evils of free thinking more to be endured than the evils of inquest or suppression. This is because thoughtful, bold and independent minds are essential to the wise and considered self-government.
Robert H. JacksonRead
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