America Quote by Condoleezza Rice
“As Americans we like to believe that we're loved in international politics or that people like what we're doing. But we also recognize that we have an extraordinary responsibility to do what we think is right, and that sometimes what we do is not very popular.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public remarks on U.S. foreign policy, 2005
The United States seeks global approval but must act on moral duty, even when unpopular.
In simple terms: America balances desire for approval with responsibility to do right.
Act on principle, not popularity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- diplomatic negotiations
- humanitarian interventions
- international alliances
- public criticism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prioritize moral duty over public opinion?
- When should a nation compromise its values for strategic gain?
Unpopular decisions can damage domestic support and diplomatic relations.