Dreams Quote by Ronald Reagan
““You and I are told increasingly that we have to choose between a left or a right. There is only an up or down: up to man's age-old dream -- the ultimate in individual freedom consistent with law and order -- or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism. And regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would trade our freedom for security have embarked on this downward course.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks at the National Association of Manufacturers, Washington D.C., 1985
The quote warns that political choices are often framed as binary left/right, but true freedom lies in striving for individual liberty within law, versus surrendering it for security, which leads to oppression.
In simple terms: Freedom versus security; choosing liberty over control.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize liberty, question security trade‑offs.
Themes
politics
freedom
individualism
authority
security
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- voting decisions
- policy debates
- personal choices
- activism
- public discourse
Key Concepts
liberalism
authoritarianism
civil liberties
Questions to Reflect On
- What freedoms are you willing to trade for safety?
- How can societies protect liberty while ensuring security?
A Different Perspective
Security promises can mask loss of freedom and lead to authoritarianism.
