Accepted Quote by J. William Fulbright
“We are inclined to confuse freedom and democracy, which we regard as moral principles, with the way in which they are practiced in America with capitalism, federalism, and the two-party system, which are not moral principles but simply the preferred and accepted practices of the American people.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional Testimony, 1971
American political practices like capitalism and federalism are cultural norms, not moral imperatives, and should be distinguished from the ideals of freedom and democracy.
In simple terms: Political systems are cultural, not moral truths.
Key Takeaway
Separate cultural practices from moral values.
Themes
politics
morality
democracy
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- citizen education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
civic theory
ethical relativism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies evaluate which practices align with moral principles?
- What role should citizens play in reshaping political norms?
A Different Perspective
People may conflate tradition with moral rightness.
![“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)
![“We have reached a situation where a theory has been accepted as fact by some, and possible contrary evidence is shunted aside. [This is] mythology rather than science.” quote by Robert Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c31/robert-shapiro-26969_accepted_we-have-reached-a-situation-where-a-theo_19120.jpg)
![“I was in a conversation and someone said: "You know, we were talking about the whole issue of transgender and how it has become so accepted now, and somebody said, 'You know the Oprah show, I think has had a big impact.'" I said, I don't think so. We did several transgender [shows], but we didn't…” quote by Oprah Winfrey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cd3/oprah-winfrey-186_accepted_i-was-in-a-conversation-and-someone-said_25645.jpg)
