A superfluity of wealth, and a train of domestic slaves, naturally banish a sense of general liberty, and nourish the seeds of that kind of independence that usually terminates in aristocracy.
Mercy Otis WarrenRead
It is necessary for every American, with becoming energy to endeavor to stop the dissemination of principles evidently destructive of the cause for which they have bled. It must be the combined virtue of the rulers and of the people to do this, and to rescue and save their civil and religious rights from the outstretched arm of tyranny, which may appear under any mode or form of government.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Americans must actively work to defend their rights against tyranny in all its forms.
This quote emphasizes the collective responsibility of both leaders and citizens to protect their civil and religious freedoms. It warns against apathy in the face of oppressive ideas that threaten the foundational values for which sacrifices have been made, urging vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard liberties.
Themes
FreedomTyrannyRightsCivic ResponsibilityVigilance
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about civic engagement, one might use this quote to inspire action against injustice.
More from Mercy Otis Warren
All quotes βPublic emergencies may require the hand of severity to fall heavily on those who are not personally guilty, but compassion prompts, and ever urges to milder methods
Mercy Otis WarrenRead
Similar quotes
You do not stop losing power by refusing to recognize your fear, by anesthetizing yourself to what you feel. The road to authentic power is always through what you feel through your heart.
Gary ZukavRead
In other words, let's give our young women the right weapons to fight with as they charge naked into battle, instead of ordering them to get back in the house and put some goddamn clothes on.
Amanda PalmerRead
Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads.
Erica JongRead
I was pursuing my acting career, but I was silent on the LGBT issue, the issue that was closest to me. I knew if I came out then, I'd have had to change careers.
George TakeiRead
It was a very vulnerable time going from being insecure about my body and who I am to becoming comfortable with me. I had to tune out what the hell everybody else had to say about who I was. When I was able to do that, I felt free.
Queen LatifahRead
When cowardice is made respectable, its followers are without number both from among the weak and the strong; it easily becomes a fashion.
Eric HofferRead