America Quote by Calvin Coolidge
“Nations are beginning to look to some vague organization, some nebulous course of humanity, to pay their bills and tell them what to do. This is not local self-government. It is not American. It is not the method which has made this country what it is. We can not maintain the western standard of civilization on that theory. If it is supported at all, it will have to be supported on the principle of individual responsibility.”
About This Quote
Warns that delegating authority to vague, collective entities undermines personal accountability and the foundational principles of self-governance.
In simple terms: Collective governance erodes individual responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Preserve personal accountability over abstract institutions.
Themes
individualism
government
responsibility
national identity
political philosophy
Mood
defiant
cautious
critical
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- civic education
- political campaigns
- international relations
- constitutional discussions
Key Concepts
self-governance
collective authority
cultural values
Practical Applications
- civic education curricula
- policy analysis frameworks
Questions to Reflect On
- How does collective action affect personal liberty?
- What balance should be struck between individual and collective responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Some argue that global cooperation is essential for addressing transnational challenges, suggesting that shared responsibility can complement individual accountability.
![“I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. [salutes]” quote by Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d2/bill-hicks-970_america_i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumor_655.jpg)
