Respectfully Quoted: A Dictionary of Quotations. 1989.
NUMBER:
1311
AUTHOR:
Adlai Ewing Stevenson (1900–65)
QUOTATION:
I venture to suggest that what we mean is a sense of national responsibility which will enable America to remain master of her power—to walk with it in serenity and wisdom, with self-respect and the respect of all mankind; a patriotism that puts country ahead of self; a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime. These are words that are easy to utter, but this is a mighty assignment. For it is often easier to fight for principles than to live up to them.
ATTRIBUTION:
ADLAI E. STEVENSON, governor of Illinois, speech to the American Legion convention, New York City, August 27, 1952.—Speeches of Adlai Stevenson, p. 81 (1952).
