Skip to content
quotesby

If we wish to be free; if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending; if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained - we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms, and to the God of hosts, is all that is left us.

Patrick Henry#11

FreedomAmericaResistanceDutyWar

WhatsApp (opens in a new tab)X (opens in a new tab)

About this quote

What does it mean?
To preserve freedom and not abandon the struggle, Americans must fight. An appeal to arms and God is all that is left.
In plain terms
We must fight with arms and God to keep our freedom.
What can you take from it?
Fight for freedom now because there is no other option.

Where it applies

  • revolutionary war
  • national defense
  • call to action

Putting it to work

  • take up arms
  • commit to struggle
  • protect privileges

Questions to consider

  • What justifies going to war?
  • When is there no other choice?

Another view

Fighting may not guarantee success and carries high costs.

More from Patrick Henry

  1. They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year?…

    Permalink to quote #10

  2. It is vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, peace! But there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the…

    Permalink to quote #12

  3. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging of the future but by the past.

    Permalink to quote #9

Related quotes

  1. [at Rock the Bells, San Bernardino, California, 2007] 'Sixty-eight years ago just after World War II, they claimed they were the greatest generation.. And I'm …

    Zack de la RochaZack de la Rocha quote #3

  2. The liberties of our Country, the freedom of our civil constitution are worth defending at all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. …

    Samuel AdamsSamuel Adams quote #5

  3. They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year?…

    Patrick HenryPatrick Henry quote #10