We shall never be abandoned by Heaven while we act worthy of its aid and protection
Samuel AdamsRead
If men, through fear, fraud, or mistake, should in terms renounce or give up any natural right, the eternal law of reason and the grand end of society would absolutely vacate such renunciation. The right to freedom being the gift of Almighty God, it is not in the power of man to alienate this gift and voluntarily become a slave.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Natural rights cannot be surrendered, as they are a gift from God and fundamental to society.
This quote by Samuel Adams emphasizes the importance of natural rights, particularly the right to freedom, which he argues is endowed by God and cannot legitimately be given up or renounced by individuals. Adams insists that freedom is a fundamental and inalienable aspect of human existence, and any attempt to voluntarily surrender it is not valid under the 'eternal law of reason' or the principles that uphold society.
Themes
FreedomNatural RightsGodSlaverySocietyReason
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech advocating for human rights.
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.
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We boast of our freedom, and we have your example for it. We talk the language we have always heard you speak.
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