Each of you, for himself or herself, by himself or…
““Each of you, for himself or herself, by himself or herself, and on his or her own responsibility, must speak. It is a solemn and weighty responsibility and not lightly to be flung aside at the bullying of pulpit, press, government or politician. Each must decide for himself or herself alone what is right and what is wrong, which course is patriotic and which isn’t. You cannot shirk this and be a man, to decide it against your convictions is to be an unqualified and inexcusable traitor. It is traitorous both against yourself and your country. Let men label you as they may, if you alone of all the nation decide one way, and that way be the right way by your convictions of the right, you have done your duty by yourself and by your country, hold up your head for you have nothing to be ashamed of.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Each person must independently decide right from wrong, despite external pressures, and uphold personal convictions.
In simple terms: Think for yourself, act on your own moral judgment.
Key Takeaway
Stand firm in personal ethics.
Themes
individualism
morality
responsibility
courage
politics
Mood
inspirational
defiant
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- political debates
- media influence
- legal decisions
- personal dilemmas
Key Concepts
ethical autonomy
personal integrity
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to be morally independent?
- How can one resist societal pressure?
A Different Perspective
External forces can still sway personal judgment.