Faith Quote by Paul Kengor
![“Speaking of [Ronald] Reagan on the faith of the founders, he was particularly fond of George Washington, who he cited nearly 200 times, and almost twice as much as all the presidents since [John F.]Kennedy combined.” quote by Paul Kengor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e03/paul-kengor-14302_faith_speaking-of-ronald-reagan-on-the-faith-o_1478331.jpg)
“Speaking of [Ronald] Reagan on the faith of the founders, he was particularly fond of George Washington, who he cited nearly 200 times, and almost twice as much as all the presidents since [John F.]Kennedy combined.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Ronald Reagan's remarks on founders' faith, cited in Paul Kengor's book "The Faith of the Founders", 2015
Reagan admired Washington greatly, referencing him far more than later presidents combined, highlighting Washington's foundational role.
In simple terms: Reagan praised Washington more than other presidents.
Key Takeaway
Recognize Washington's lasting influence.
Themes
leadership
history
politics
Mood
reflective
respectful
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- Political speeches
- history lessons
- education curricula
Key Concepts
Foundationalism
historical reverence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does focusing on one founder shape national identity?
- What other founders deserve similar recognition?
A Different Perspective
Reagan's view may overlook other founders' contributions.
![“There's the unique case of Ronald Reagan, who cited [founders] some 850 times, and in a way that was absolutely fundamental to understanding Reagan's vision for America.” quote by Paul Kengor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a2f/paul-kengor-14302_america_there-s-the-unique-case-of-ronald-reagan_1157840.jpg)
![“The presidents varied in the degree to which they cited the founders. Some, like JFK, LBJ, [Richard] Nixon, and [Bill] Clinton, cited them somewhat frequently, in the range of 100 to 200 times, though, regrettably, not in a thematic or notably profound or even interesting way. Others, like Gerald…” quote by Paul Kengor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9e3/paul-kengor-14302_bills_the-presidents-varied-in-the-degree-to-w_424735.jpg)
![“Which founders have these presidents cited - and why? What did, say, President [Ronald] Reagan's view of George Washington, or President [Bill] Clinton's view of Thomas Jefferson, tell us about their view of America and where they intended to lead the country?In many cases, it told us a lot about…” quote by Paul Kengor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/35c/paul-kengor-14302_america_which-founders-have-these-presidents-cit_968419.jpg)
![“Ronald Reagan [ cite the founders] on behalf of emphasizing the faith of our founders, of limited government, of the uniqueness and exceptionalism of America, of a nation with a people facing another historic challenge beyond the American Revolution, and in contrasting the system of the United…” quote by Paul Kengor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7bc/paul-kengor-14302_america_ronald-reagan-cite-the-founders-on-behal_1038882.jpg)
![“[Gerald] Ford and [Jimmy] Carter, in fact, were huge disappointments to me. Think about this: They were the presidents around the time of America's historic bicentennial, and yet rarely quoted the founders.” quote by Paul Kengor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9dc/paul-kengor-14302_america_gerald-ford-and-jimmy-carter-in-fact-wer_1418880.jpg)
![“[Ronald] Reagan talked to people across the world and he was very successful in communicating and treating people with dignity and respect, but putting America first in every single we do.” quote by Reince Priebus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af0/reince-priebus-3623_america_ronald-reagan-talked-to-people-across-th_286006.jpg)
![“It is quite sad, to me, that that ideal, that vision and understanding [of American founding ], doesn't seem to be a part of the current political season.” quote by Paul Kengor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a05/paul-kengor-14302_currents_it-is-quite-sad-to-me-that-that-ideal-th_399953.jpg)
![“I was a child or didn't live through those presidents prior to [Ronald] Reagan, and thus didn't realize how little attention they had paid to the founders.” quote by Paul Kengor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/38b/paul-kengor-14302_attention_i-was-a-child-or-didn-t-live-through-tho_602258.jpg)
![“If our presidents, or potential presidents, don't know this or don't articulate [an America ideal], that's a blown opportunity. The president can teach as well as lead.” quote by Paul Kengor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2c6/paul-kengor-14302_america_if-our-presidents-or-potential-president_708330.jpg)
