Aspire Quote by J. William Fulbright
“This is regrettable indeed for a nation that aspires to teach democracy to other nations, because, as Burke said: "Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other."”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks at the International Conference on Democracy, 1975
Teaching democracy abroad fails when a nation lacks moral example; imitation is the primary way people learn.
In simple terms: Nations must model what they teach.
Key Takeaway
Lead by example.
Themes
democracy
education
leadership
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- foreign policy
- education programs
- international aid
Key Concepts
moral authority
imitation
soft power
Questions to Reflect On
- How can a nation align its policies with its democratic ideals?
- What examples does your country set for others?
A Different Perspective
If a country’s actions contradict its words, influence wanes.
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![“To give [the Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba] even covert support is on a par with the hypocrisy and cynicism for which the United States is constantly denouncing the Soviet Union in the United Nations and elsewhere. This point will not be lost on the rest of the world, nor on our own consciences.” quote by J. William Fulbright](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/48f/j-william-fulbright-7682_bay-of-pigs_to-give-the-bay-of-pigs-invasion-of-cuba_203573.jpg)
