Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker. But if we had not, our fathers have earned and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Liberty, derived from a higher source, must be defended at all costs, honoring the sacrifices of those who secured it.
- In plain terms
- Defend liberty, remembering the sacrifices that earned it.
- What can you take from it?
- Value and protect liberty as a hard‑won right.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we balance liberty with security?
- What responsibilities follow from earned liberty?
Another view
The notion of a divine source for liberty may not be universally accepted.
More from John Adams
Property must be secured or liberty cannot exist.
Permalink to quote #90 God is an essence we know nothing of. Until this awful blasphemy is gotten rid of there will never be any liberal science in the world.
Permalink to quote #92 We are not exciting rebellion. Opposition, nay, open, avowed resistance by arms against usurpation and lawless violence, is not rebellion by the law of God or …
Permalink to quote #89
Related quotes
Hail to the land whereon we tread, Our fondest boast! The sepulchres of mighty dead, The truest hearts that ever bled, Who sleep on glory's brightest bed, A fe…
James Gates PercivalJames Gates Percival quote #1 Hungary conquered and in chains has done more for freedom and justice than any people for twenty years. But for this lesson to get through and convince those i…
Albert CamusAlbert Camus quote #5 America was founded by men who understood that the threat of domestic tyranny is as great as any threat from abroad. If we want to be worthy of their legacy, w…
Ron PaulRon Paul quote #8