Free men do not ask permission to bear arms
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the inherent right of individuals to defend themselves without seeking approval.
This quote by Thomas Jefferson highlights the importance of personal freedom and the natural right of individuals to protect themselves. It suggests that true freedom involves the ability to take action for self-defense and that seeking permission undermines one's autonomy and rights.
In practice
Use this quote during a debate about gun control to emphasize individual rights.
The firmness with which the (American) people have withstood the... abuses of the press, the discernment they have manifested between truth and falsehood, show that they may safely be trusted to hear everything true and false and to form a correct judgment between them.
I, place economy among the first & most important republican virtues, & public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared
βWe must make our choice between economy and liberty or confusion and servitude...If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labor and in our amusements...if we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.
Very many and very meritorious were the worthy patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting vigilance.
A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
I'm scared of him," said Piggy, "and that's why I know him. If you're scared of someone you hate him but you can't stop thinking about him. You kid yourself he's all right really, an' then when you see him again; it's like asthma an' you can't breathe.
Bullies will attack your confidence, but you cannot let them kill your ambition.
Be a hero. Always say, 'I have no fear.' Tell this to everyone - 'Have no fear.'
It is my deepest belief that only by giving our lives do we find life. I am convinced that the truest act of courage, the strongest act of manliness is to sacrifice ourselves for others in a totally non-violent struggle for justice.
One of the more serious temptations which stifles boldness and zeal is a defeatism, which turns us into querulous and disillusioned pessimists, sourpusses.
Violence ravaged my life. I was a victim of hatred, and I have dedicated my life to reversing that hatred.
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