Quote

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!

Patrick Henry

Change background

T
T
T

Change font

TAGS & TOPICS

Patrick Henry
Age: 63 †
Born: 1736
Born: May 29
Died: 1799
Died: June 6
Governor Of Virginia
Lawyer
Politician
Slaveholder
Hanover County
Virginia
Henry
May
Peace
Dear
Patriotic
Take
War
Revolution
Almighty
Giving
History
Sweet
Patriotism
Purchased
Life
Business
Liberty
Libertarian
Forbid
Death
Courses
Chains
Libertarianism
Others
Course
Ethics
Amendments
America
Society
Price
Patriot
Give
Freedom
Slavery
Founding

More quotes by Patrick Henry

Image
When the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: Liberty, sir, was the primary object.
Patrick Henry
Image
....I am sure that the dangers of this system (the Federal Constitution) are real, when those who have no similar interest with the people of this country (the South) are to legislate for us - when our dearest rights are to be left, in the hands of those, whose advantage it will be to infringe them.
Patrick Henry
Image
Being a Christian... is a character which I prize far above all this world has or can boast.
Patrick Henry
Image
The whole economy of this lower world proves that it is by labor and perseverance only that good is obtained and evil is avoided.
Patrick Henry
Image
Suspicion is a virtue as long as its object is the public good, and as long as it stays within proper bounds. Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel.
Patrick Henry
Image
My great objection to this government is, that it does not leave us the means of defending our rights, or of waging war against tyrants.
Patrick Henry
Image
Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace! – but there is no peace.
Patrick Henry
Image
Human nature will never part with power. Look for an example of a voluntary relinquishment of power from one end of the globe to another - you will find none.
Patrick Henry
Image
Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell and George the Third — ['Treason!' cried the Speaker] — may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it.
Patrick Henry
Image
Fear is the passion of slaves.
Patrick Henry
Image
O sir, we should have fine times, indeed, if, to punish tyrants, it were only sufficient to assemble the people! Your arms, wherewith you could defend yourselves, are gone.
Patrick Henry
Image
I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.
Patrick Henry
Image
Righteousness alone can exalt them [America] as a nation. Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this, and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself and encourage it in others.
Patrick Henry
Image
The King has degenerated into a tyrant and forfeits all rights to his subjects' obedience.
Patrick Henry
Image
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? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house?
Patrick Henry
Image
What right do they have to say we the people rather than we the States?
Patrick Henry
Image
I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death.
Patrick Henry
Image
He that hath a blind conscience which sees nothing, a dead conscience which feels nothing, and a dumb conscience which says nothing, is in as miserable a condition as a man can be on this side of hell.
Patrick Henry
Image
Show me that age and country where the rights and liberties of the people were placed on the sole chance of their rulers being good men, without a consequent loss of liberty?
Patrick Henry
Image
Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?
Patrick Henry