quotations about liberty
Of liberty I would say that, in the whole plenitude of its extent, it is unobstructed action according to our will. But rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.
THOMAS JEFFERSON
letter to Isaac H. Tiffany, Apr. 4, 1819
I will fight the battle of liberty as long as there is a shot in the locker.
DAVID PAUL JONES
attributed, Day's Collacon
Personal liberty is the paramount essential to human dignity and human happiness.
EDWARD BULWER LYTTON
Caxtoniana: A Series of Essays on Life, Literature, and Manners
Abstract liberty, like other mere abstractions, is not to be found.
EDMUND BURKE
second speech on Conciliation with America, 1775
Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel.
PATRICK HENRY
speech on the Federal Constitution at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, Jun. 5, 1788
Liberty consists in the freedom to do everything which injures no one else; hence the exercise of the natural rights of each man has no limits except those which assure to the other members of the society the enjoyment of the same rights.
GILBERT DU MOTIER
Declaration of the Rights of Man