Are the peoples of the Middle East somehow beyond the reach of liberty? Are millions of men and women and children condemned by history or culture to live in despotism? Are they alone never to know freedom, and never even to have a choice in the matter? I, for one, do not believe it. I believe every person has the ability and the right to be free.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker questions cultural determinism and affirms every person's right to freedom.
- In plain terms
- He believes culture does not stop anyone from choosing freedom.
- What can you take from it?
- Every person has the right and ability to be free regardless of culture.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does culture limit choice?
- Is freedom a universal right?
Another view
It assumes freedom is universally desired and achievable.
More from George W. Bush
The prosperity, and social vitality and technological progress of a people are directly determined by the extent of their liberty. Freedom honors and unleashes…
Permalink to quote #315 The establishment of a free Iraq at the heart of the Middle East will be a watershed event in the global democratic revolution.
Permalink to quote #317 We must speak the truth about terror. Let us never tolerate outrageous conspiracy theories concerning the attacks of September the 11th; malicious lies that at…
Permalink to quote #314
Related quotes
I agree with everything you say, but I would attack to the death your right to say it.
Tom StoppardTom Stoppard quote #5 The individual has been allowed out of his socially constructed cage. That, at least, is the contemporary myth. What is not clear, however, is what that libera…
John Ralston SaulJohn Ralston Saul quote #16 A free culture has been our past, but it will only be our future if we change the path we are on right now. Like Stallman's arguments for free software, an arg…
Lawrence LessigLawrence Lessig quote #32