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.
Anyone can support a team that is winning - it takes no courage. But to stand behind a team to defend a team when it is down and really needs you, that takes a lot of courage.
The hero and the coward both feel exactly the same fear, only the hero confronts his fear and converts it into fire.
I guess [coming out publicly] seems like a weight off my shoulders. Iβve been playing a lot better than Iβve ever played before. I think Iβm just enjoying myself and Iβm happy.
Is it a crime, to fight, for what is mine?
Let us form one body, one heart, and defend to the last warrior our country, our homes, our liberty, and the graves of our fathers.
I refuse to accept that the shackles of slavery can ever be stronger than the quest for freedom.
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