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About this quote

What does it mean?
Civilization depends on fundamental individual liberties in thought and life.
In plain terms
Freedom of thought and work is the root of civilization.
What can you take from it?
Protect personal freedoms to keep civilization.

Where it applies

  • constitution writing
  • human rights advocacy
  • philosophical debate

Putting it to work

  • defend civil liberties
  • promote autonomy

Questions to consider

  • Which freedom is most vital to society?

Another view

Some civilizations restrict individual freedom.

More from Charles de Gaulle

  1. France has lost a battle, but France has not lost the war.

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  2. Let us be firm, pure and faithful; at the end of our sorrow, there is the greatest glory of the world, that of the men who did not give in.

    Permalink to quote #8
  3. Yes, it is Europe, from the Atlantic to the Urals, it is Europe, it is the whole of Europe, that will decide the fate of the world.

    Permalink to quote #5

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