American constitution Quote by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr
“In view of the tide of religiosity engulfing a once secular republic it is refreshing to be reminded by Freethinkers that free thought and skepticism are robustly in the American tradition. After all the Founding Fathers began by omitting God from the American Constitution.”
About This Quote
The United States has a tradition of free thought and skepticism, rooted in its founding, despite later religious resurgence.
In simple terms: America historically values secular reasoning.
Key Takeaway
Remember the founding commitment to free inquiry.
Themes
secularism
skepticism
American tradition
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- education curricula
- media commentary
- political speeches
Key Concepts
constitutionalism
religious liberty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens protect secular values today?
- What role should religion play in public life?
A Different Perspective
Modern politics often re‑emphasize religious rhetoric, challenging secular ideals.
![“[The Founding Fathers] were not advocates for a monolithic notion of "God and Country," as promoters of a Christian America would now have us believe. They were precisely the opposite: the very prototypes, in fact, of the East Coast intellectuals we are always being warned against by today's…” quote by Brooke Allen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/48b/brooke-allen-104093_east-coast_the-founding-fathers-were-not-advocates_2312506.jpg)
![“[quoting someone else] the American constitution is a document designed by geniuses to be eventually interpreted by idiots” quote by Joseph J. Ellis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e9f/joseph-j-ellis-13690_american-constitutio_quoting-someone-else-the-american-consti_481734.jpg)
![“If someone has a Muslim background and they're willing to reject those tenets and to accept the way of life that we have and clearly will swear to place our [American] Constitution above their religion, then, of course, they will be considered infidels and heretics, but at least I would then be…” quote by Benjamin Carson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/791/benjamin-carson-955_accepting_if-someone-has-a-muslim-background-and-t_800557.jpg)
