Country Quote by Adlai Stevenson
“We cannot be any stronger in our foreign policy for all the bombs and guns we may heap up in our arsenals than we are in the spirit which rules inside the country. Foreign policy, like a river, cannot rise above its source.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Foreign Policy, 1961
Domestic moral character limits the effectiveness of a nation's external power; internal values shape foreign actions.
In simple terms: A country's inner spirit determines its foreign strength.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate strong internal values.
Themes
foreign policy
morality
leadership
national identity
integrity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- government decision‑making
- international negotiations
- public discourse
Key Concepts
political philosophy
ethical governance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a nation align its foreign actions with its core values?
- What internal reforms strengthen external influence?
A Different Perspective
Policy cannot exceed the nation's ethical foundation.
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