Slavery discourages arts and manufacturing ...[and] every master of slaves is born a petty tyrant.
George MasonRead
All men are by nature born equally free and independent.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Everyone is inherently entitled to freedom and autonomy from birth.
This quote expresses the fundamental belief in the equality of all human beings at birth, emphasizing that freedom and independence are natural rights granted to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. It highlights the philosophical principle of natural rights, asserting that these liberties should not be violated by any authority or societal structure.
Themes
FreedomEqualityIndependenceRightsNature
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on civil rights, a speaker may use this quote to emphasize the idea that all individuals deserve equal treatment and opportunities.
More from George Mason
All quotes βEvery society, all government, and every kind of civil compact therefore, is or ought to be, calculated for the general good and safety of the community.
George MasonRead
There is a Passion natural to the Mind of man, especially a free Man, which renders him impatient of Restraint.
George MasonRead
Government is, or ought to be instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community... when any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, inalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.
George MasonRead
As much as I value an union of all the states, I would not admit the southern states into the union, unless they agreed to the discontinuance of this disgraceful trade, because it would bring weakness and not strength to the union.
George MasonRead
To disarm the people... was the best and most effectual way to enslave them.
George MasonRead
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I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ; I therefore hatethe corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial, and hypocritical Christianity of this land. Indeed, I can see no reason, but the most deceitful one, for calling the religion of this land Christianity. I look upon it as the climax of all misnomers, the boldest of all frauds, and the grossest of all libels.
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More than that, I believe that the grass is green because green is restful to the human eye, that the sky is blue to give us an idea of the infinite. And that blood is red so that murder will be more easily detected and criminals will be brought to justice. Yes, and I believe that I shall live forever, but I shall live without reason.
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A man does not always choose what his guardian angel intends.
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It is not the creation of wealth that is wrong, but the love of money for its own sake.
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