It is the common fate of the indolent to see their rights become a prey to the active.
John Philpot CurranRead
It is the common fate of the indolent to see their rights become prey to the active. The conditions upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance; which condition if he break, servitude is at once the consequence of his crime, and the punishment of his guilt.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Inactivity leads to the loss of rights, and freedom requires constant vigilance.
This quote emphasizes that individuals who are complacent or inactive regarding their rights will ultimately see those rights undermined by more proactive individuals. It underscores the responsibility of each person to remain vigilant in the defense of their liberties, highlighting that failing to do so can result in the loss of freedom and the imposition of servitude as a consequence of one's negligence.
Themes
LibertyVigilanceFreedomRightsActivityIndolence
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for civic engagement, one might say, 'As John Philpot Curran reminds us, it is the indolent who lose their rights, so let us all stay vigilant.'
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All quotes →Evil prospers when good men do nothing.
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