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
I can assure the Marquis de Chasteler that it is my unalterable determination never to set foot on any territory which acknowledges obedience to His Majesty the King of Bohemia and Hungary.
Interpretation
The quote reflects a strong commitment to principles and personal convictions over obedience to authority.
In this quote, Marquis De Lafayette expresses his unwavering dedication to his beliefs and values by stating that he will never submit to a ruler or government he does not support. This speaks to the importance of standing firm in one’s convictions, demonstrating courage in the face of authority and the societal pressures to conform.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about standing up for one’s beliefs during a political rally.
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 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.
The exercise of natural rights has no limits but such as will ensure their enjoyment to other members of society.
Give me liberty or give me death.
As long as a man's heart beats, as long as a man's flesh quivers, I do not allow that a being gifted with thought and will can allow himself to despair.
As soon as we left the ground, I knew I had to fly.
The power of resistance is to set an example: not necessarily to change the person with whom you disagree, but to empower the one who is watching and whose growth is not yet completed, whose path is not at all clear, whose direction is still very much up in the proverbial air.
If we have the courage and tenacity of our forebears, who stood firmly like a rock against the lash of slavery, we shall find a way to do for our day what they did for theirs.
We make progress in society only if we stop cursing and complaining about its shortcomings and have the courage to do something about them.
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