No man can be subject to any laws, excepting those which have received the assent of himself or his representatives and which are promulgated beforehand and applied legally.
Marquis De LafayetteRead
The affairs of America I shall ever look upon as my first business whilst I am in Europe. Any confidence from the king and ministers, any popularity I may have among my own countrymen, any means in my power, shall be, to the best of my skill, and till the end of my life, exerted in behalf of an interest I have so much at heart.
Interpretation
Lafayette emphasizes his commitment to America's well-being while in Europe, prioritizing it above all else.
In this quote, Marquis De Lafayette expresses his deep dedication to the interests of America, prioritizing its affairs as his foremost concern while he resides in Europe. He conveys a sense of duty and loyalty, indicating that he will utilize any influence or popularity he gains in Europe, along with his skills, to advocate for the American cause throughout his lifetime.
In practice
During a speech about civic duty, one might quote Lafayette to highlight the importance of serving one's country.
No man can be subject to any laws, excepting those which have received the assent of himself or his representatives and which are promulgated beforehand and applied legally.
May the States be so bound to each other as forever to defy European politics. Upon that union, their consequence, their happiness, will depend. This is the first wish of a heart more truly American than words can express.
Insurrection is the most sacred of rights and the most indispensable of duties.
True republicanism is the sovereignty of the people. There are natural and imprescriptible rights which an entire nation has no right to violate.
The exercise of natural rights has no limits but such as will ensure their enjoyment to other members of society.
When the government violates the people's rights, insurrection is, for the people and for each portion of the people, the most sacred of the rights and the most indispensible of duties.
Uncontradicting solitude Supports me on its giant palm; And like a sea-anemone Or simple snail, there cautiously Unfolds, emerges, what I am.
The great powers of the world may have done wonders in giving the world an industrial look, but the great gift still has to come from Africa - giving the world a more human face.
Thought is the organizing factor in man, intersected between the causal primary instincts and the resulting actions.
Bizarre and engrossingly disturbing, Naked Lunch, finds truth in madness.
The idea that women are innately gentle is a fantasy, and a historically recent one. Kali, the Hindu goddess of destruction, is depicted as wreathed in male human skulls; the cruel entertainments of the Romans drew audiences as female as they were male; Boudicca led her British troops bloodily into battle.
I ask every Australian to think about what the constitutional exclusion says to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, to see our vast and inspiring history in this land not mentioned in the official picture like that.
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