Liberty Quotes Reflect the American Experience
Thoughts on the Meaning of American Freedom and Liberty
Feb 20, 2009
Historian Eric Foner, in his book The Story of American Freedom [W.W. Norton & Co., 1999], says that “No idea is more fundamental to Americans’ sense of themselves as individuals and as a nation than freedom” which, he further states, “is almost always used interchangeably” with liberty. The quotes that follow are a sampling, chosen for the potential for debate they bring to any discussion of freedom and liberty.
Famous and Familiar Liberty Quotes
“Give me liberty, or give me death.” ~ Patrick Henry, from a speech given in 1775
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” ~ from The Declaration of Independence, 1776
“Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.” ~ Abraham Lincoln, from the Gettysburg Address, 1863
“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” ~ The Pledge of Allegiance, current version established 1954
On the Meaning and Nature of Liberty
“Absolute liberty is absence of restraint; responsibility is restraint; therefore, the ideally free individual is responsible to himself.” ~ Henry Brooks Adams, American journalist and historian, 1838-1918
“What light is to the eyes -- what air is to the lungs -- what love is to the heart, liberty is to the soul of man.” ~ Robert Green Ingersoll, Civil War Veteran, politician, and orator, 1833-1899
“The history of liberty is a history of resistance.” ~ Woodrow Wilson, 28th U.S. President, 1856-1924
“Without Liberty, Law loses its nature and its name, and becomes oppression. Without Law, Liberty also loses its nature and its name, and becomes licentiousness.” ~ James Q. Wilson, American political scientist, b. 1931
Provocative Quotes about Liberty -- Topics for Debate
The following quotes make good subjects for debate. Some are purposefully provocative. Some have meanings that are perplexing. All are grist for lively discussion.
“But freedom, liberty, is an attribute of the soul and it may exist even when the body is in bondage.” ~ Ralph A. Cram, American architect, 1863-1942
“It is true that liberty is precious - so precious that it must be rationed.” ~ Vladimir Lenin, Russian revolutionary and communist politician, 1870-1924
“If one is going to err, one should err on the side of liberty and freedom.” ~ Kofi Annan, Ghanaian diplomat and U.N. Secretary General, b. 1938
“When liberty becomes license, dictatorship is near.” ~ Will Durant, American writer, historian, philosopher, 1885-1981
“For now more than ever, we must keep in the forefront of our minds the fact that whenever we take away the liberties of those we hate, we are opening the way to loss of liberty for those we love.” ~ Wendell Willke, American attorney and Republican presidential nominee, 1892-1944
“When liberty is taken away by force it can be restored by force. When it is relinquished voluntarily by default it can never be recovered.” ~ Dorothy Thompson, American journalist, 1893-1961
“Liberty is a different kind of pain from prison.” ~ T.S. Eliot, American-born, British poet and literary critic, 1888-1965
“What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?” ~ Mohandas Gandhi, Indian political and spiritual leader, 1869-1948
“Men who are scandalized at the lack of freedom in Russia do not ask themselves how real is liberty among the poor, the weak, and the ignorant in capitalist society.” ~ Emily G. Balch, American writer and pacifist, 1867-1961
“Most people want security in this world, not liberty.” ~ H. L. Mencken, American journalist, 1880-1956
“Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.” ~ Thomas Jefferson, 3rd U.S. President, 1743-1826
“Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” ~ Benjamin Franklin, U.S. Founding Father, inventor, statesman, 1706-1790
The idea of liberty is one of the most fundamental concepts that has defined and influenced the American experience. But liberty, as perhaps with beauty, may be in the eye—or the consciousness—of the beholder. Jesse Jackson once said, “Deliberation and debate is the way you stir the soul of our democracy.” What better way to stir the soul of democracy than to debate its core concept--liberty?
For more quotes on freedom and liberty see "Presidential Freedom Quotes."
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