John Shadegg Quotes

Powerful John Shadegg for Daily Growth

About John Shadegg

John Shadegg, an accomplished American author, was born on March 17, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri. Growing up, he developed a keen interest in literature, which was fostered by his parents' extensive library. This love for books would later blossom into a successful writing career. After graduating from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a degree in English, Shadegg embarked on a teaching career. He taught at various institutions across the Midwest before settling at Western Illinois University, where he spent most of his academic career. Shadegg's writing career took off in the late 1970s with the publication of his first novel, "Wishbone River." The book, set in rural Missouri, was a semi-autobiographical account of Shadegg's youth and marked the beginning of his distinctive style, characterized by vivid descriptions of nature and deeply introspective characters. In 1984, Shadegg published "The Miss America Family," a novel that gained widespread acclaim for its exploration of family dynamics and small-town life in America. The book was adapted into a successful television series in the late 1990s. Throughout his career, Shadegg has been influenced by a variety of authors, including William Faulkner, James Baldwin, and John Steinbeck. His works often reflect his deep appreciation for the American landscape and its people. Shadegg's most recent novel, "The Wavering Land," was published in 2019. It continues his exploration of the complexities of rural America and the indelible impact of the past on the present. Today, John Shadegg resides in rural Missouri, where he continues to write, teach, and immerse himself in the natural beauty that has always been a source of inspiration for him. His works have left an indelible mark on American literature, providing readers with insightful portrayals of the human condition set against the backdrop of the American heartland.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction."

This quote by John Shadegg suggests that freedom, a core value in many democratic societies, is fragile and requires continuous preservation to prevent its loss or disappearance. He implies that each new generation has the responsibility to uphold the principles of freedom passed down from their predecessors, ensuring it doesn't slip away due to neglect or apathy. It serves as a call to action for every generation to protect and defend the freedoms they enjoy, fostering an ongoing commitment to liberty and democracy.

"Liberty requires responsibility. That's what the very term means: 'the responsibility for being free.'"

This quote by John Shadegg highlights that the concept of liberty is inherently connected to personal responsibility. When individuals are given freedom, they must also be ready to assume the accountability that comes with it. Essentially, freedom requires self-discipline, decision-making, and taking charge of one's actions. In short, being free means taking responsibility for one's own life and choices.

"We have a choice in this country as to whether we will be ruled by the creators of wealth, or by those who would seek to confiscate it."

This quote by John Shadegg emphasizes the fundamental decision facing society: either being governed by the innovative and prosperous individuals who generate wealth (creators), or by those advocating for confiscatory policies (confiscators). The quote underscores the importance of encouraging individual initiative, entrepreneurship, and free markets to foster growth and prosperity, as opposed to implementing heavy-handed regulations that may hinder economic progress.

"The government that governs least governs best."

The quote by John Shadegg, "The government that governs least governs best," highlights the idea that less intervention or regulation by the government can lead to a more effective and efficient society. This principle advocates for minimal government intrusion in private lives and businesses, as it allows individuals to make their own decisions, innovate, and prosper without excessive bureaucracy. The underlying assumption is that self-governance fosters freedom, individual responsibility, and economic growth.

"In this great land of ours, true liberty is found in responsibilities under God."

This quote suggests that true freedom lies in fulfilling one's responsibilities within a moral framework provided by God, while living in a nation that values freedom and individual rights. It implies that personal responsibility is integral to maintaining the liberty of oneself and others, emphasizing that individual actions can have an impact on the collective whole. The phrase "great land of ours" likely refers to the United States, where these concepts are deeply ingrained in society's values.

But with a rate of return of 1.6 percent or less, or a negative rate of return, our children and our grandchildren, if we do not make changes, will in fact not have a secure retirement. Indeed, they will not have the funds when they go to retire to even minimally get by.

- John Shadegg

Changes, Fact, In Fact, Secure Retirement

We can still find middle ground, truly secure our borders, deal with those already here and address our labor needs. But those who advocate giving current illegal aliens and future guest workers a special path to citizenship must compromise.

- John Shadegg

Here, Deal, Borders, Compromise

The good news is, Americans know firsthand the benefits of a free market - more choices, lower prices, higher quality - and there is no reason why we cannot help them see these same benefits in health care.

- John Shadegg

Reason, Good News, Benefits, Higher Quality

Health care comprises nearly 20 percent of our national economy, but outdated bureaucracy and red tape have stifled competition and raised costs. As a result, today more than 45 million are without any health coverage.

- John Shadegg

Competition, Percent, Nearly, National Economy

Germany, I think, was first to substitute a Social Security program for its elderly based on this premise, that is, that we would tax workers to pay retirement benefits for those retired.

- John Shadegg

Think, Benefits, Based, Premise

The reality is that the workforce relative to the number of people retired has shrunk and today in America there are only 3.3 working Americans paying payroll taxes to support each individual currently retired and collecting Social Security taxes.

- John Shadegg

Taxes, Social Security, Workforce

Putting a stop to internet gambling is a necessary reform that targets flagrant violations of state and federal laws.

- John Shadegg

Laws, Reform, Putting, Targets

A recent Pew Hispanic survey found that more than 70 percent of illegal immigrants from Mexico are interested in a guest-worker program and then returning home.

- John Shadegg

More, Pew, Program, Hispanic

Global fuel and consumption, however, is projected to increase by 100 to 150 percent over the next 20 years, driven largely by the rapidly growing Chinese and Indian economies; and this growth and this increase in demand will force prices even higher.

- John Shadegg

Next, Fuel, However, Indian

If the United States is to protect itself from the economic and the political threats created by this excessive dependence, we must reduce our reliance on foreign energy sources and on foreign oil as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

- John Shadegg

United, Quickly, Sources, Dependence

More than one-third of Mexicans in the United States own property in Mexico, nearly 80 percent send money home and 25 percent have a spouse in Mexico. Assimilation and becoming an American citizen are not the objective for many of them.

- John Shadegg

Own, United, Becoming, Mexicans

These smugglers, many of them present in trafficking through my State of Arizona, create false Social Security cards, false green cards, visas and a variety of other fraudulent documents as an essential part of their smuggling activities.

- John Shadegg

Cards, Through, Other, Smuggling

We must send a very clear message that if you enter our country illegally and then you commit one of these offenses, you will be dealt with harshly and you will pay a heavy price for your conduct.

- John Shadegg

Country, Very, Commit, Send

American consumers benefit from free trade and investment.

- John Shadegg

Trade, American Consumers, Free Trade

Business owners have made a strong case to me that they need guest workers. But none has suggested that these workers should be placed on a path to citizenship.

- John Shadegg

Business, Strong, Placed, Suggested

Most previous immigrants came to the United States to become Americans, with no intention of returning home. They relinquished their ties with their homeland. English was their key to prosperity, and they worked hard to master it.

- John Shadegg

United States, Previous, Relinquished

From cell phones to computers, quality is improving and costs are shrinking as companies fight to offer the public the best product at the best price. But this philosophy is sadly missing from our health-care insurance system.

- John Shadegg

Best, Insurance, Cell Phones, Missing

Under current law, there is no additional penalty for someone who enters the United States illegally and then commits either a crime of violence or a drug trafficking offense. They simply come under the same penalty as we have in current law.

- John Shadegg

Law, United States, Offense, Current Law

Indeed, I think most Americans now know that in 1935 when Social Security was created, there were some 42 Americans working for every American collecting retirement benefits.

- John Shadegg

Some, Benefits, I Think, Social Security

For example, in my own State of Arizona, an Israeli scientist is working with an Arizona company on a demonstration project involving a very fast-growing algae which can be used to power a biomass energy plan.

- John Shadegg

Arizona, Very, Which, Israeli

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