An oppressed people are authorized, whenever they can, to rise and break their fetters.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Oppressed people have the moral right to rise against their oppressors.
- In plain terms
- When people are oppressed, they may rise up to gain freedom.
- What can you take from it?
- Oppression justifies resistance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is resistance necessary?
- What are the costs of freedom?
Another view
Revolutions often bring new harms.
More from Henry Clay
The gentleman cannot have forgotten his own sentiment, uttered even on the floor of this House, 'Peaceably if we can, forcibly if we must.'
Permalink to quote #3 All religions united with government are more or less inimical to liberty. All, separated from government, are compatible with liberty.
Permalink to quote #5 If you wish to avoid foreign collision, you had better abandon the ocean.
Permalink to quote #2
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