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About this quote

What does it mean?
Jackson describes the ideal citizen who protects their country, receiving protection in return.
In plain terms
A good citizen protects their country and in return gains its protection.
What can you take from it?
Patriotism involves a mutual exchange of protection between citizen and nation.

Where it applies

  • national service
  • community building
  • recruitment

Putting it to work

  • discussing civic duty
  • encouraging service
  • analyzing citizenship

Questions to consider

  • What do we owe our country?
  • Is this exchange always fair?

Another view

The quote assumes the state always deserves and provides fair protection.

More from Andrew Jackson

  1. John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it!

    Permalink to quote #13
  2. Peace, above all things, is to be desired, but blood must sometimes be spilled to obtain it on equable and lasting terms.

    Permalink to quote #15
  3. Heaven will be no heaven to me if I do not meet my wife there.

    Permalink to quote #12

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