--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: America is, and always will be, a shining…" description: "\"America is, and always will be, a shining city on a hill.\" — Ronald Reagan" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/820/ronald-reagan-119_america_america-is-and-always-will-be-a-shining_2906448.jpg" --- # America is, and always will be, a shining city on a hill. ![“America is, and always will be, a shining city on a hill.” quote by Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/820/ronald-reagan-119_america_america-is-and-always-will-be-a-shining_2906448.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/820/ronald-reagan-119_america_america-is-and-always-will-be-a-shining_2906448.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/820/ronald-reagan-119_america_america-is-and-always-will-be-a-shining_2906448.jpg) > “America is, and always will be, a shining city on a hill.” [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. America is portrayed as a beacon of hope and moral leadership for the world. **In simple terms:** America should be a shining example. Key Takeaway Uphold national ideals. Themes politics idealism leadership nationalism Mood hopeful patriotic Type political inspirational When to use this quote - political speeches - public policy - international relations - citizen engagement Key Concepts American exceptionalism public morale global influence Questions to Reflect On - What responsibilities come with being a "shining city"? - How can ideals translate into policy? A Different Perspective Idealistic vision may ignore domestic challenges. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [America](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/america/) [Cities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cities/) [City On A Hill](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/city-on-a-hill/) [Hills](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hills/) [Shining](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shining/) ## Related quotes > [Because of my father, we are that Shining City on a Hill.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-reagan/because-of-my-father-we-are-that-shining-city-on-a-hill/) [Michael Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-reagan/) > [With our eyes fixed on the future, but recognizing the realities of today, we will achieve our destiny to be as a shining city…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/with-our-eyes-fixed-on-the-future-but-recognizing-the-realities-of/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-winthrop/for-we-must-consider-that-we-shall-be-as-a-city-upon-a-hill-the-eyes/) [John Winthrop](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-winthrop/) > [May every day be a new beginning, and every dawn bring us closer to that shining city upon a hill.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/may-every-day-be-a-new-beginning-and-every-dawn-bring-us-closer-to/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [“You are like a city on the hill; you can't be hidden out of sight in any way! Beautify your environment and your influence…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/israelmore-ayivor/you-are-like-a-city-on-the-hill-you-can-t-be-hidden-out-of-sight-in/) [Israelmore Ayivor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/israelmore-ayivor/) > [Let us resolve tonight that young Americans will always . . . find there a city of hope in a country that is free…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/let-us-resolve-tonight-that-young-americans-will-always-find-there-a/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [America is the greatest country on Earth. But because of some of the mistakes that have been made, we, I think, are going to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/america-is-the-greatest-country-on-earth-but-because-of-some-of-the/) [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) > [I've spoken of the shining city all my political life, but I don't know if I ever quite communicated what I saw when I…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/i-ve-spoken-of-the-shining-city-all-my-political-life-but-i-don-t/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [One of the most persistent images in American urbanism is that of the proverbial city on a hill, as first envisioned on these shores…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-filler/one-of-the-most-persistent-images-in-american-urbanism-is-that-of-the/) [Martin Filler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-filler/) > [The U.S. is supposed to be a beacon of hope to the world - the shining city on a hill where freedom is available…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-meadows/the-u-s-is-supposed-to-be-a-beacon-of-hope-to-the-world-the-shining/) [Mark Meadows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-meadows/) > [I'm obviously not an advocate of Christian America or a simplistic view of America as 'a city on a hill.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/os-guinness/i-m-obviously-not-an-advocate-of-christian-america-or-a-simplistic/) [Os Guinness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/os-guinness/) > [Have you ever had one of those moments when you know that you're being visited by your own future? They come so rarely and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-rakoff/have-you-ever-had-one-of-those-moments-when-you-know-that-you-re/) [David Rakoff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-rakoff/) > [Ronald Reagan believed in America as the shining city on the hill - Morning in America. But Donald Trump has a much different vision…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charlie-sykes/ronald-reagan-believed-in-america-as-the-shining-city-on-the-hill/) [Charlie Sykes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charlie-sykes/) > [A troubled and afflicted mankind looks to us, pleading for us to keep our rendezvous with destiny; that we will uphold the principles of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/a-troubled-and-afflicted-mankind-looks-to-us-pleading-for-us-to-keep/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [You either choose to view America as the shining city on the hill that inspires the best in all mankind, or you don't.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mike-pence/you-either-choose-to-view-america-as-the-shining-city-on-the-hill/) [Mike Pence](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mike-pence/) ## More by Ronald Reagan > [Today, the world looks to America for leadership. And America looks to its Corps of Marines.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/today-the-world-looks-to-america-for-leadership-and-america-looks-to/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [I've long believed one of the mainsprings of our own liberty has been the widespread ownership of property among our people and the expectation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/i-ve-long-believed-one-of-the-mainsprings-of-our-own-liberty-has-been/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [You know, by the time you reach my age, you've made plenty of mistakes if you've lived your life properly. So you learn. You…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/you-know-by-the-time-you-reach-my-age-you-ve-made-plenty-of-mistakes/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [Yes, across Europe, this wall will fall. For it cannot withstand faith; it cannot withstand truth. The wall cannot withstand freedom.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/yes-across-europe-this-wall-will-fall-for-it-cannot-withstand-faith/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [Simple fairness dictates that government must not raise taxes on families struggling to pay their bills.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/simple-fairness-dictates-that-government-must-not-raise-taxes-on/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [The time has come to turn to God and reassert our trust in Him for the healing of America - our country is in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/the-time-has-come-to-turn-to-god-and-reassert-our-trust-in-him-for/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [Professional politicians like to talk about the value of experience in government. Nuts! The only experience you gain in politics is how to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/professional-politicians-like-to-talk-about-the-value-of-experience/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [The WPA was one of the most productive elements of FDR's alphabet soup of agencies because it put people to work building roads, bridges,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/the-wpa-was-one-of-the-most-productive-elements-of-fdr-s-alphabet/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [Where there's liberty, art succeeds.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/where-there-s-liberty-art-succeeds/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [Since I came to the White House, I got two hearing aids, a colon operation, skin cancer, a prostate operation, and I was shot.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/since-i-came-to-the-white-house-i-got-two-hearing-aids-a-colon/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [A moment I've been dreading. George brought his ne're-do-well son around this morning and asked me to find the kid a job. Not the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/a-moment-i-ve-been-dreading-george-brought-his-ne-re-do-well-son/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [On Father's Day, we pay tribute to all in our society who have taken on the responsibilitie s and joys of fatherhood. Whether our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/on-father-s-day-we-pay-tribute-to-all-in-our-society-who-have-taken/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don't care who gets the credit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/there-is-no-limit-to-the-amount-of-good-you-can-do-if-you-don-t-care/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [It's not that liberals aren't smart, it's just that so much of what they know isn't so](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/it-s-not-that-liberals-aren-t-smart-it-s-just-that-so-much-of-what/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [Love your country, not for her power or wealth, but for her selflessness and her idealism.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/love-your-country-not-for-her-power-or-wealth-but-for-her/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) [Explore all 1,244 Ronald Reagan quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) ## More America quotes > [The costs of the Bush-Obama wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are now estimated to run as high as $4.4 trillion - a major victory…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noam-chomsky/the-costs-of-the-bush-obama-wars-in-iraq-and-afghanistan-are-now/) [Noam Chomsky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noam-chomsky/) > [Young men, especially in America, write to me and ask me to recommend “a course of reading.” Distrust a course of reading! People who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-lang/young-men-especially-in-america-write-to-me-and-ask-me-to-recommend-a/) [Andrew Lang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-lang/) > [Well, The Day the Earth Caught Fire was a story... I don't if anybody knows what it is but it was about... in the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/val-guest/well-the-day-the-earth-caught-fire-was-a-story-i-don-t-if-anybody/) [Val Guest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/val-guest/) > [So here's what I want you to know, and here's what I want all our men and women in uniform to know: Because of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barack-obama/so-here-s-what-i-want-you-to-know-and-here-s-what-i-want-all-our-men/) [Barack Obama](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barack-obama/) > [Today, the world looks to America for leadership. And America looks to its Corps of Marines.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/today-the-world-looks-to-america-for-leadership-and-america-looks-to/) [Ronald Reagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/) > [The image of blacks usually is one of people who are suffering from hunger, unemployment, and poverty. The idea of them as agents and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/grace-lee-boggs/the-image-of-blacks-usually-is-one-of-people-who-are-suffering-from/) [Grace Lee Boggs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/grace-lee-boggs/) > [ I'll smoke, I'll cough, I'll get the tumors, I'll die, deal? Thank you America. \[salutes\] ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bill-hicks/i-ll-smoke-i-ll-cough-i-ll-get-the-tumors-i-ll-die-deal-thank-you/) [Bill Hicks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bill-hicks/) > [America is a democracy and has no Hitler, but I am afraid for her future; there are hard times ahead for the American people,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/america-is-a-democracy-and-has-no-hitler-but-i-am-afraid-for-her/) [Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/) > [I'm gonna bring America together.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/i-m-gonna-bring-america-together/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [In the nineteenth century some parts of the world were unexplored, but there was almost no restriction on travel.:; Up to 1914 you did…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-orwell/in-the-nineteenth-century-some-parts-of-the-world-were-unexplored-but/) [George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-orwell/) > [We need a system that serves our needs, not the needs of others. Remember, under a Trump administration it's called America first. Remember that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/donald-trump/we-need-a-system-that-serves-our-needs-not-the-needs-of-others/) [Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/donald-trump/) > [America, you're sending girls a mixed message. On one hand, you're saying to have positive body image and love who we are; on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adora-svitak/america-you-re-sending-girls-a-mixed-message-on-one-hand-you-re/) [Adora Svitak](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adora-svitak/) > [You live overseas, you see these exotic places and you want to know about them. But, weirdly, it also made me homesick for all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ken-jennings/you-live-overseas-you-see-these-exotic-places-and-you-want-to-know/) [Ken Jennings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ken-jennings/) > [Freedom in every sense but primarily political sense, a rise in repression that stems from a repression of sexuality. It's AIDS, it's herpes, it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-nicholson/freedom-in-every-sense-but-primarily-political-sense-a-rise-in/) [Jack Nicholson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-nicholson/) > [“In American terms, the accomplishment of Genghis Khan might be understood if the United States, instead of being created by a group of educated…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-weatherford/in-american-terms-the-accomplishment-of-genghis-khan-might-be/) [Jack Weatherford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-weatherford/) [Browse all 20,382 America quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/america/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "America is, and always will be, a shining city on a hill.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Ronald Reagan" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/america-is-and-always-will-be-a-shining-city-on-a-hill/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "America" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/america-is-and-always-will-be-a-shining-city-on-a-hill/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/820/ronald-reagan-119_america_america-is-and-always-will-be-a-shining_2906448.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/820/ronald-reagan-119_america_america-is-and-always-will-be-a-shining_2906448.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/820/ronald-reagan-119_america_america-is-and-always-will-be-a-shining_2906448.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“America is, and always will be, a shining city on a hill.” — Ronald Reagan", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Ronald Reagan", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ronald-reagan/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "America is, and always will be,...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/america-is-and-always-will-be-a-shining-city-on-a-hill/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ronald-reagan/america-is-and-always-will-be-a-shining-city-on-a-hill/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```