Motivational Quotes by Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry was a significant figure in American history, best known for his powerful speeches that inspired people during the revolutionary period. He was a skilled orator whose words had a profound impact on the fight for independence. Henry’s speeches often emphasized the value of liberty and the need for action against tyranny. His ability to convey complex ideas through simple yet impactful language made his messages memorable and effective. Through his speeches, Henry played a critical role in motivating American colonists to strive for freedom and justice. His legacy includes not just the content of his speeches but the spirit of determination and resilience they inspired.

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Quotes by Patrick Henry

Did you ever read of any revolution in a nation, brought about by the punishment of those in power, inflicted by those who had no power at all? You read of a riot act in a country which is called one of the freest in the world, where a few neighbors cannot assemble without the risk of being shot by a hired soldiery, the engines of despotism. We may see such an act in America.

Show me that age and country where the rights and liberties of the people were placed on the sole chance of their rulers being good men, without a consequent loss of liberty! I say that the loss of that dearest privilege has ever followed, with absolute certainty, every such mad attempt.

The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government – lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace– but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Suspicion is a virtue as long as its object is the public good, and as long as it stays within proper bounds. … Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.

The great object is that every man be armed. Everyone who is able may have a gun.

Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell and George the Third [At this point, Henry was interrupted by cries of “Treason!” from delegates who easily recognized the reference to assassinated leaders. Henry paused briefly, then calmly finished his sentence:] …may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it.

United we stand, divided we fall, Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs.

When the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: Liberty, sir, was the primary object.

Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense?

I am not a Virginian, but an American.

It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth — and listen to the song of that syren, till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those, who having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it might cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

“This is all the inheritance I can give to my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.”

I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.

Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of commerce as it is to the health and vigor of citizenship.