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Our spirit is back, but we haven't reinstitutionalized it. We've got to do a better job of getting across that America is freedom - freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of enterprise. And freedom is special and rare. It's fragile; it needs production [protection].
Ronald Reagan
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of protecting the freedoms that define America, such as free speech and religion.

Ronald Reagan's quote reflects the necessity of acknowledging and safeguarding the foundational freedoms that characterize American society. He highlights that while the spirit of freedom is present, it requires active maintenance and reinforcement through institutional efforts, as these freedoms are both precious and vulnerable to erosion without collective vigilance and commitment.

Themes

FreedomSpeechProtectionValuesAmerica

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech on Independence Day, one might reflect on Reagan's words about the importance of freedom.

More from Ronald Reagan

Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
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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.
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I'm spending more time at this library in four days than I did at the Eureka College Library in four years.
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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.
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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."
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We must have faith in the people of this country and faith in our principles.
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Quote by Ronald Reagan | QuoteProject