It must never be forgotten...that the liberties of the people are not so safe under the gracious manner of government as by the limitation of power.
Richard Henry LeeRead
That these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown; and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the belief in the necessity of independence and the dissolution of ties with oppressive authorities.
Richard Henry Lee's quote articulates the fundamental principle that the colonies have the right to govern themselves independently of British rule. It reflects the sentiments of a growing desire for autonomy and self-determination amongst the colonies, asserting that they are no longer subordinate to British authority and that a political separation is both necessary and justified.
Themes
IndependenceFreedomAutonomyPolitical ConnectionBritish Crown
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of self-governance and independence.
More from Richard Henry Lee
All quotes →Similar quotes
A race preserves its vigor so long as it harbors a real contrast between what has been and what may be; and so long as it is nerved by the vigor to adventure beyond the safeties of the past. Without adventure civilization is in full decay.
Alfred North WhiteheadRead
What I possess I would gladly retain. Change amuses the mind, yet scarcely profits.
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead
Often I have heard the taunt that suffragists are women who have failed to find any normal outlet for their emotions, and are therefore soured and disappointed beings. This is probably not true of any suffragist, and it is most certainly not true of me. My home life and relations have been as nearly ideal as possible in this imperfect world.
Emmeline PankhurstRead
The dinosaurs never saw that asteroid coming. What's our excuse?
Neil Degrasse TysonRead
That useful alterations will be suggested by experience, could not but be foreseen . . . . It moreover equally enables the general and state governments to originate the amendment of errors as they may be pointed out by the experience on one side or on the other.
James MadisonRead
Society is made up of individuals. The thoughts and actions of each individual influence the culture of that society. Instead of waiting for others to improve, we should try to improve ourselves. Once our attitude has changed, we will be able to perceive goodness throughout world. If there is a positive change in us, it will also be reflected in others. It is only what we give that we can hope to get back.
Mata AmritanandamayiRead