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Eamon De Valera Quotes

Powerful Eamon De Valera for Daily Growth

About Eamon De Valera

Eamon de Valéra (1882-1975), a prominent figure in Irish politics, was born Éamonn úna O'Donováin on October 14, 1882, in New York City to Irish parents who were living in exile due to the Great Famine. Returning to Ireland at age nine, he grew up speaking both English and Irish fluently. De Valera's political awakening occurred during his studies at Blackrock College, where he was exposed to Irish nationalism. In 1904, he co-founded the Irish National Foresters, a secretive revolutionary organization aimed at achieving Irish independence. De Valera was imprisoned in England for his activities but released following the 1914 general election. De Valera's life took a dramatic turn when he returned to Ireland during the Easter Rising of 1916. He played a crucial role in the uprising and was captured, court-martialed, and sentenced to death, though this sentence was later commuted to penal servitude for life. Following his release in 1917, de Valera helped found Sinn Féin, which won a landslide victory in the 1918 general election. He became President of the Irish Republic and led the negotiating team that signed the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, establishing the Irish Free State. De Valera's opposition to the treaty led him to leave Sinn Féin and establish Fianna Fáil in 1926. De Valera served as the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland four times between 1932 and 1973, making him Ireland's longest-serving head of government. During his tenure, he pursued a policy of neutrality during World War II, and implemented key educational reforms, including the introduction of mother tongue Irish as an official language. De Valera's major works include "Ireland: The Island's Destiny" (1919), a collection of speeches that outlined his vision for an independent Ireland, and the drafting of the 1937 Constitution of Ireland, which established Ireland as a republic. De Valera passed away on August 29, 1975, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Irish politics and national identity.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The only man who is a Patriot is my country's enemy, and the only woman is my country's friend."

This quote suggests that true patriotism lies in one's unwavering loyalty to one's own nation, even if it means being perceived as an enemy by others. In other words, a patriot is someone who puts their country's interests above all else, regardless of the opinions or allegiances of foreign nations or individuals. The metaphorical reference to women symbolizes the idea that love and loyalty toward one's country can be just as strong and unwavering as romantic love and loyalty toward a significant other.

"Ireland in its endeavors must strive for all it can hope to achieve but never cease to pray for that which it cannot achieve by its own efforts."

This quote by Eamon De Valera suggests a balanced approach where Ireland should actively work towards its attainable goals while also maintaining a spiritual aspect, such as prayer, for the unattainable or those things beyond their immediate control. It emphasizes persistence in efforts, but also humility and faith in the face of challenges that may require divine intervention.

"We serve neither God nor man if we forget our duty to our people and our land."

This quote by Eamon de Valera emphasizes the importance of loyalty and responsibility towards one's community, culture, and homeland. It suggests that serving a higher purpose (either God or man) does not exclude the obligation to prioritize the well-being and interests of one's own people and land. In essence, it calls for balancing universal ideals with local, national concerns.

"Every man should have the right to the unfettered control of his destiny and the right to live as he pleases insofar as he infringes not the rights of others."

This quote by Eamon De Valera emphasizes personal freedom and self-determination. He suggests that every individual should have the unrestricted ability to shape their own life, make choices, and pursue their goals, provided they do not harm the rights or freedoms of others. It underscores the importance of personal liberty and the principle that each person is responsible for their actions and decisions, as long as those actions do not encroach upon the liberties of others.

"Ireland, for her part, is content to let bygones be bygones. She desires nothing but friendship with all and interference from none."

This quote by Eamon De Valera reflects Ireland's desire for peaceful coexistence and non-interference in its affairs, emphasizing reconciliation and friendship over past disputes. In essence, it suggests that Ireland wishes to move forward, leaving behind historical conflicts, and seeks amicable relationships with all nations without any external meddling or control.

We, of our time, have played our part in the perseverance, and we have pledged ourselves to the dead generations who have preserved intact for us this glorious heritage, that we, too, will strive to be faithful to the end, and pass on this tradition unblemished.

- Eamon de Valera

Dead, Generations, Part, Pledged

When we have done our best, we can, as a united people, take whatever may befall with calm courage and confidence that this old nation will survive and if death should come to many of us, death is not the end.

- Eamon de Valera

Death, Nation, United, Befall

I shall strive not to be guilty of adding any fuel to the flames of hatred and passion which, if continued to be fed, promise to burn up whatever is left by the war of decent human feeling in Europe.

- Eamon de Valera

Burn, Which, Fed, Flames

Here, in Cork district, you have in combination all the dangers which war can inflict.

- Eamon de Valera

Here, Which, Dangers, Cork

If there is to be any hope of prosperity for this country it is by reversing that policy which made us simply the kitchen garden for supplying the British with cheap food.

- Eamon de Valera

Country, Made, Which, Garden

Mr. Churchill is proud of Britain's stand alone, after France had fallen and before America entered the War.

- Eamon de Valera

Proud, Britain, Mr, Churchill

We are fully aware that, in a world at war, each set of belligerents is over ready to regard those who are not with them as against them; but the course we have followed is a just course.

- Eamon de Valera

Over, Against, Set, Fully

Since this war began our sympathy has gone out to all the suffering people who have been dragged into it. Further hundreds of millions have become involved since I spoke at Limerick fortnight ago.

- Eamon de Valera

Suffering, Been, Spoke, Fortnight

It is indeed hard for the strong to be just to the weak, but acting justly always has its rewards.

- Eamon de Valera

Strong, Hard, Always, Justly

Unemployment is due to the large import of goods from Britain and other countries. The Government haven't used the powers which they have for the benefit of the country.

- Eamon de Valera

Country, Other, Which, Powers

The economic and social problems would tend to become, like the military situation, more and more difficult as time went on and we became more and more isolated.

- Eamon de Valera

Like, Social, Became, Social Problems

The part which American friendship played in helping us to win the freedom we enjoy in this part of Ireland has been gratefully recognized and acknowledged by our people.

- Eamon de Valera

Friendship, Been, Which, Our People

It is the duty of our men to enroll themselves in the national services. We need all our manpower for defence. For the military and... we need a quarter of a million men.

- Eamon de Valera

Need, Defence, Services, Quarter

We cannot afford idleness, waste or inefficiency.

- Eamon de Valera

Idleness, Waste, Afford, Inefficiency

From the moment this war began, there was, for this state, only one policy possible, neutrality.

- Eamon de Valera

War, Only, Began, Neutrality

We hope that the plain people - the labourers and small farmers - will take this opportunity of coming together and working out the National programme.

- Eamon de Valera

Small, Will, Plain People, Plain

God has been pleased to save us during the years of war that have already passed. We pray that He may be pleased to save us to the end. But we must do our part.

- Eamon de Valera

Been, May, Part, Pleased

By keeping the annuities, we could build up a national industry every years as big as the Shannon Scheme.

- Eamon de Valera

Big, Build, Keeping, Scheme

If war comes upon us, it will come as a thief in the night.

- Eamon de Valera

War, Night, Will, Thief

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