Declaration Quote by Naomi Wolf
![“Here's what we're not taught [about the Declaration and Constitution]: Those words at the time they were written were blazingly, electrifyingly subversive. If you understand them truly now, they still are. You are not taught - and it is a disgrace that you aren't - that these men and women were…” quote by Naomi Wolf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/34d/naomi-wolf-1344_declaration_here-s-what-we-re-not-taught-about-the-d_1777102.jpg)
““Here's what we're not taught [about the Declaration and Constitution]: Those words at the time they were written were blazingly, electrifyingly subversive. If you understand them truly now, they still are. You are not taught - and it is a disgrace that you aren't - that these men and women were radicals for liberty; that they had a vision of equality that was a slap in the face of what the rest of their world understood to be the unchanging, God-given order of nations; and that they were willing to die to make that desperate vision into a reality for people like us, whom they would never live to see. ””
About This Quote
Source Speech: The Future of Liberty, Naomi Wolf, 2010
The founding documents were radical calls for liberty and equality, challenging entrenched hierarchies.
In simple terms: The Constitution was a revolutionary, subversive text.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and act on the radical spirit of liberty.
Themes
liberty
radicalism
history
political theory
Mood
defiant
inspired
critical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- activism
- education
- policy reform
- public discourse
Key Concepts
subversion
equality
revolution
civic duty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we apply the original radical vision to today’s challenges?
- What risks arise when we reinterpret foundational texts?
A Different Perspective
The historical context can be complex, and modern interpretations may differ.
![“Mr. Taylor has this habit of emphasizing his point by using three adjectives or verbs in a row. 'Class, you must know,' Simon begins [imitating] in a droning voice, flinging her arms around at every syllable, 'that should you fail to understand, to comprehend, to FEEL the power of the…” quote by Randa Abdel-Fattah](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/66c/randa-abdel-fattah-12772_funny_mr-taylor-has-this-habit-of-emphasizing_373017.jpg)
