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
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.
Interpretation
Lafayette emphasizes his commitment to America's well-being while in Europe, prioritizing it above all else.
In this quote, Marquis De Lafayette expresses his deep dedication to the interests of America, prioritizing its affairs as his foremost concern while he resides in Europe. He conveys a sense of duty and loyalty, indicating that he will utilize any influence or popularity he gains in Europe, along with his skills, to advocate for the American cause throughout his lifetime.
In practice
During a speech about civic duty, one might quote Lafayette to highlight the importance of serving one's country.
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.
May 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.
Insurrection is the most sacred of rights and the most indispensable of duties.
True republicanism is the sovereignty of the people. There are natural and imprescriptible rights which an entire nation has no right to violate.
The exercise of natural rights has no limits but such as will ensure their enjoyment to other members of society.
When the government violates the people's rights, insurrection is, for the people and for each portion of the people, the most sacred of the rights and the most indispensible of duties.
Socrates and Plato are right: whatever man does he always does well, that is, he does that which seems to him good (useful) according to the degree of his intellect, the particular standard of his reasonableness.
It is inexcusable for scientists to torture animals; let them make their experiments on journalists and politicians.
Grace is not part of consciousness; it is the amount of light in our souls, not knowledge nor reason.
The IP standards advanced countries favour typically are designed not to maximise innovation and scientific progress, but to maximise the profits of big pharmaceutical companies and others able to sway trade negotiations.
I do feel that spiritual progress does demand at some stage that we should cease to kill our fellow creatures for the satisfaction of our bodily wants.
Even if there were only two men left in the world and both of them saints they wouldn't be happy. One them would be bound to try and improve the other. That is the nature of things.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.