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Allegiance Quote by Woodrow Wilson

“You have just taken an oath of allegiance to the United States. Of allegiance to whom? Of allegiance to no one, unless it be God. Certainly not of allegiance to those who temporarily represent this great government. You have taken an oath of allegiance to a great ideal, to a great body of…” quote by Woodrow Wilson
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“You have just taken an oath of allegiance to the United States. Of allegiance to whom? Of allegiance to no one, unless it be God. Certainly not of allegiance to those who temporarily represent this great government. You have taken an oath of allegiance to a great ideal, to a great body of principles, to a great hope of the human race.”

Woodrow Wilson

About This Quote

Source Speech: Inaugural Address, Woodrow Wilson, 1913

Allegiance is to ideals and principles, not to transient leaders or institutions.

In simple terms: Swear to ideals, not people.

Key Takeaway

Uphold higher principles.

Themes

politics ideals citizenship

Mood

reflective patriotic

Type

ethical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • voting
  • public service
  • civic education

Key Concepts

Civic duty constitutional loyalty

Questions to Reflect On

  • What ideals guide your civic duty?
  • How do you balance loyalty to people and principles?
A Different Perspective

People may still feel loyalty to leaders.

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