Home / Quotes / Quote by Nat Hentoff

Quote by Nat Hentoff

“A lot of people in the adult population have a very limited idea as to why they are Americans, why we have a First Amendment or a Bill of Rights.”

Author

Nat Hentoff

Nat Hentoff was an American historian known for his contributions to the fields of liberalism and the civil rights movement. Born on June 10, 1925, and passing away on January 7, 2017, Hentoff's work covered a wide range of topics, including music, literature, law, and social justice. more

“I have been in schools around the country, and I have written on education for years. Once, I was once doing a profile on Justice William Brennan and I was in his chambers, and Brennan asked, "How do we get the words of the Bill of Rights into the lives of the students?" Well, it is not difficult. You tell them stories.”

Years Wells Has Beens Country Stories School Difficult Justice Rights Written Students Bills Chamber Profile Bill Of Rights

Author:Nat Hentoff

“When I speak to students, I tell them why we have a First Amendment. I tell them about the Committees of Correspondence. I tell them how in a secret meeting of the Raleigh Tavern in Virginia, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, who did not agree with each other, started a Committee of Correspondence.”

Firsts Speak Secret Students Agree Meetings Amendments Committees First Amendment Virginia Correspondence Taverns Raleigh

Author:Nat Hentoff

“Young people get very excited when they hear why they are Americans. It is not hard to do.”

People Hard Young Excited

Author:Nat Hentoff

“We hear talk now about reforming public education. There are billions of dollars at stake for such a reform. But I have not heard Arne Duncan, who is the U.S. Education Secretary, mention once the civic illiteracy in the country.”

Country Heard Dollars Billions Reform Stakes Secretary Civics Public Education Illiteracy Duncan

Author:Nat Hentoff