Alive Quote by Wallace Stegner
“I am terribly glad to be alive; and when I have wit enough to think about it, terribly proud to be a man and an American, with all the rights and privileges that those words connote; and most of all I am humble before the responsibilities that are also mine. For no right comes without a responsibility, and being born luckier than most of the world's millions, I am also born more obligated.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Spectator Bird, 1978
Rights bring responsibilities; privilege demands humility and duty to others.
In simple terms: Rights require responsibility.
Key Takeaway
Honor duties that accompany your freedoms.
Themes
rights
responsibility
humility
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- citizenship
- leadership
- volunteering
Key Concepts
civic duty
social contract
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What responsibilities do you feel from your freedoms?
- How can you serve others with your privileges?
A Different Perspective
Privilege can breed entitlement if not checked.
