We shall never be abandoned by Heaven while we act worthy of its aid and protection
Samuel AdamsRead
If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude than the animated contest of freedom - go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains sit lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen!
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of valuing freedom over material wealth, suggesting that those who prefer servitude should not engage in discussions about liberty.
Samuel Adams's quote critiques those who prioritize wealth over freedom, indicating that true value lies in the struggle for liberty and self-determination. He expresses disdain for those who choose comfort and servitude over the challenges and responsibilities that accompany freedom, urging them to withdraw from discussions about independence if they do not value it as highly as their own comfort and prosperity.
Themes
FreedomWealthLibertyServitudeContentment
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about civic responsibility, one could refer to this quote to emphasize the importance of valuing freedom.
More from Samuel Adams
All quotes →Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust must be men of unexceptionable characters.
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If taxes are laid upon us in any shape without our having a legal representation where they are laid, are we not reduced from the character of free subjects to the miserable state of tributary slaves? We claim British rights not by charter only! We are born to them.
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Let no man thirst for good beer.
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He therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man.
Samuel AdamsRead
We boast of our freedom, and we have your example for it. We talk the language we have always heard you speak.
Samuel AdamsRead
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