“As government expands, liberty contracts.”

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Meaning

Reagan is saying that when government gets bigger and takes on more power, personal freedom tends to shrink. The quote presents liberty and expanding government as moving in opposite directions.

When It Was Said

1985

Who It Was Said To

Not documented yet.

Historical Context

Not documented yet.

Source

Ronald Reagan's Farewell Address

Original Language & Translation

Originally said in English.

Did They Really Say It?

The phrase appears verbatim in the public-domain text "Ronald Reagan's Farewell Address" (Wikisource); no earlier source was checked.

Did You Know?

Ronald Reagan served as President of the United States from 1981 to 1989.

About Ronald Reagan

American politician and actor

Ronald Wilson Reagan was an American politician and actor. He served as the 40th president of the United States from 1981 to 1989, and became a central figure in the Republican Party and the American conservative movement. His presidency gave its name to the Reagan era. He is remembered for his role in American politics during that period, especially as a leading conservative voice.

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