Action Quote by Edward Snowden
“Using the language of heroism, calling Daniel Ellsberg a hero, and calling the other people who made great sacrifices heroes - even though what they have done is heroic - is to distinguish them from the civic duty they performed, and excuses the rest of us from the same civic duty to speak out when we see something wrong, when we witness our government engaging in serious crimes, abusing power, engaging in massive historic violations of the Constitution of the United States. We have to speak out or we are party to that bad action.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address on civic duty, 2019
Calling whistleblowers heroes can obscure their civic duty, letting others avoid speaking out against governmental wrongdoing.
In simple terms: Hero labels can excuse personal responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Speak out, don’t rely on heroes.
Themes
civic duty
whistleblowing
responsibility
politics
Mood
urgent
serious
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- government oversight
- journalism
- activism
Key Concepts
ethical courage
accountability
public conscience
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do you have when witnessing injustice?
- How can society encourage ordinary citizens to act?
A Different Perspective
Hero worship may discourage personal action.
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![“There was a real choice when [Barack Obama] became president. It was a very difficult choice - to say, "We're not going to hold senior officials to account with the same laws that every other citizen in the country is held to," or "This is a nation that believes in the rule of law."” quote by Edward Snowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/104/edward-snowden-555_accounts_there-was-a-real-choice-when-barack-obam_27838.jpg)
