American Values that Unite Us: Relevant Quotes as Discussion Prompts
Creative Ways to Use the Quote of the Day
Using the Quote of the Day in your classroom is a wonderful way to ignite reflection, critical thinking, and promote discussion. Each Daily Juice contains a carefully selected quote from a notable individual meant to inspire and engage students.
If you are looking for ways to encourage students to reflect on and discuss these quotes, we’ve put together a few ideas for you!
“Let us neither express nor cherish any hard feelings toward any citizen who by his vote has differed with us. Let us at all times remember that all American citizens are brothers of a common country, and should dwell together in the bonds of fraternal feeling.“
“But every difference of opinion, is not a difference of principle. We have called, by different names, brethren of the same principle. We are all republicans: we are all federalists. If there be any among us who wish to dissolve this union, or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed, as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.“
“Americans, I think, have a great advantage. To renew our unity, we only need to remember our values. We have never been held together by blood or background. We are bound by things of the spirit – by shared commitments to common ideals.“
“Human rights stand upon a common basis; and by all the reason that they are supported, maintained and defended, for one variety of the human family, they are supported, maintained and defended for all the human family; because all mankind have the same wants, arising out of a common nature. “
“Civilization is a method of living and an attitude of equal respect for all people.“
“We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.“
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.“
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.“
“If we love our country, we should also love our countrymen.“
“There is not a liberal America and a conservative America – there is the United States of America. There is not a black America and a white America and Latino America and Asian America … there’s the United States of America.“
“Lawyers, merchants, artisans, clerks, peddlers, and laborers, compose the dense but changeful throng. All are one in respect to race and faith, but many in regard to birthplace and speech. E Pluribus Unum finds new meaning here.”