Appeals Quote by Henry A. Kissinger
“I think an appeal to American idealism and willingness to sacrifice would be an important contribution, because what is happening now in many countries, not yet in the United States, but in many European countries, it's the inability of government to ask for sacrifices of its people.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture on Governance, Henry A. Kissinger, 1990
Governments must sometimes ask citizens to sacrifice for collective goals; this willingness is crucial for national resilience.
In simple terms: Citizens must share burdens.
Key Takeaway
Foster civic responsibility.
Themes
citizenship
government
sacrifice
collective good
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- war effort
- public health crises
- economic austerity
Key Concepts
social contract
national resilience
public policy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can leaders justify sacrifices?
- What limits should be set?
A Different Perspective
Excessive sacrifice can erode trust and liberty.
![“Before the Freedom of Information Act, I used to say at meetings "The illegal we do immediately. The unconstitutional takes a little longer." [...] But since the Freedom of Information Act, I'm afraid to say things like that.” quote by Henry A. Kissinger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6dc/henry-a-kissinger-1068_freedom_before-the-freedom-of-information-act-i_25339.jpg)
