We shall never be abandoned by Heaven while we act worthy of its aid and protection
Samuel AdamsRead
Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the sentiments of subservience and the desire for historical oblivion regarding oppression.
Samuel Adams's quote conveys a strong critique of those who submit to oppressive circumstances, suggesting that they should show gratitude to their oppressors. The imagery of 'licking the hands which feed you' symbolizes a demeaning loyalty and servitude, while the hope that 'posterity forget' them indicates a desire for the oppressed not to be remembered for their oppression or complicity, eliciting reflection on personal and societal choices in the face of tyranny.
Themes
OppressionServitudeFreedomGratitudeHistorical Amnesia
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about civil rights and the importance of standing up against oppression.
More from Samuel Adams
All quotes →Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust must be men of unexceptionable characters.
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If taxes are laid upon us in any shape without our having a legal representation where they are laid, are we not reduced from the character of free subjects to the miserable state of tributary slaves? We claim British rights not by charter only! We are born to them.
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Let no man thirst for good beer.
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He therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man.
Samuel AdamsRead
We boast of our freedom, and we have your example for it. We talk the language we have always heard you speak.
Samuel AdamsRead
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