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Angel Quote by Gerald R. Ford

“I do believe that the buck stops here, that I cannot rely upon public opinion polls to tell me what is right. I do believe that right makes might and that if I am wrong, 10 angels swearing I was right would make no difference. I do believe, with all my heart and mind and spirit, that I, not as…” quote by Gerald R. Ford
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“I do believe that the buck stops here, that I cannot rely upon public opinion polls to tell me what is right. I do believe that right makes might and that if I am wrong, 10 angels swearing I was right would make no difference. I do believe, with all my heart and mind and spirit, that I, not as President but as a humble servant of God, will receive justice without mercy if I fail to show mercy.”

Gerald R. Ford

About This Quote

Source Speech: Acceptance Speech, United States President, 1974

The speaker asserts personal responsibility and moral authority, rejecting public opinion and emphasizing divine justice tied to mercy.

In simple terms: Personal responsibility over public opinion and divine justice require mercy.

Key Takeaway

Act with mercy to avoid divine judgment.

Themes

responsibility ethics leadership faith justice

Mood

solemn reflective

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • Political decision making
  • public service
  • personal moral dilemmas

Key Concepts

Moral authority divine accountability political integrity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance personal conscience with public expectations?
  • What role should mercy play in leadership?
A Different Perspective

Reliance on public opinion can undermine decisive leadership.

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