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
If the liberties of the American people are ever destroyed, they will fall by the hands of the clergy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote warns that the loss of personal freedoms may come from those who are supposed to lead in moral and spiritual matters.
Marquis De Lafayette's quote emphasizes the potential danger posed by religious leaders to the freedoms of society. He suggests that if the liberties of the American people are compromised, it is likely due to the influence and power wielded by the clergy, who are expected to uphold ethical and moral standards. This points to the concern of religious authority overstepping its bounds and infringing upon individual rights and freedoms.
Themes
LibertyFreedomClergyInfluenceWarning
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the separation of church and state, this quote can be used to highlight concerns about religious influence in government.
More from Marquis De Lafayette
All quotes βMay 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.
Marquis De LafayetteRead
Insurrection is the most sacred of rights and the most indispensable of duties.
Marquis De LafayetteRead
True republicanism is the sovereignty of the people. There are natural and imprescriptible rights which an entire nation has no right to violate.
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.
Marquis De LafayetteRead
The exercise of natural rights has no limits but such as will ensure their enjoyment to other members of society.
Marquis De LafayetteRead
Similar quotes
Warfare is the father of all good things, it is also the father of good prose!
Friedrich NietzscheRead
Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power.
James MadisonRead
No sound ought to be heard in the church but the healing voice of Christian charity.
Edmund BurkeRead
As long as a journalist tells the truth, in conscience and fairness, it is not his job to worry about consequences. The truth is never as dangerous as a lie in the long run. I truly believe the truth sets men free.
Ben BradleeRead
Thoughts can create such a barrier that even if you are standing before a beautiful flower, you will not be able to see it. Your eyes are covered with layers of thought. To experience the beauty of the flower you have to be in a state of meditation, not in a state of mentation. You have to be silent, utterly silent, not even a flicker of thought - and the beauty explodes, reaches to you from all directions. You are drowned in the beauty of a sunrise, of a starry night, of beautiful trees.
RajneeshRead
Because God knows, searches and clearly understands the minds, hearts, thoughts, and nature of all, his supreme kindness and clemency do not permit anyone at all who is not guilty of deliberate sin to suffer eternal punishments.
Pope Pius IxRead