All men have a right to remain in a state of nature as long as they please; and in case of intolerable oppression, civil or religious, to leave the society they belong to, and enter into another.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- People retain the right to stay in a natural state or leave a society facing intolerable oppression. This applies to both civil and religious oppression.
- In plain terms
- You can leave a society if it oppresses you too much.
- What can you take from it?
- Oppression justifies leaving a society or state.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is it right to leave your country?
- What counts as intolerable oppression?
Another view
Leaving a society is often practically impossible for the vulnerable.
More from Samuel Adams
Among the natural rights of the Colonists are these: First, a right to life; Secondly, to liberty; Thirdly, to property; together with the right to support and…
Permalink to quote #6 In regard to religion, mutual toleration in the different professions thereof is what all good and candid minds in all ages have ever practised, and, both by p…
Permalink to quote #8 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. …
Permalink to quote #5
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