I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death.
Meaning of the quote
Patrick Henry was willing to fight and even die to be free from unfair rule. He believed that being free was more important than living under someone else's control, no matter the cost. Henry's quote shows how strongly he valued liberty and independence, even if it meant risking his life to achieve it.
About Patrick Henry
Patrick Henry was an American politician, planter, and orator who famously declared “Give me liberty, or give me death!” during the American Revolution. He served as the first and sixth post-colonial Governor of Virginia and was a key figure in the fight for American independence.
More quotes from Patrick Henry
We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of Nature has placed in our power… the battle, sir, is not to the strong alone it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense?
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
Fear is the passion of slaves.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
I like dreams of the future better than the history of the past.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
I know no way of judging the future but by the past.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
The Bible is worth all the other books which have ever been printed.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and provide for it.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
When the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: Liberty, sir, was the primary object.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
The great object is that every man be armed.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
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.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
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!
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
Give me liberty or give me death.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of commerce as it is to the health and vigor of citizenship.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
I have now disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that is the Christian religion.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)
If this be treason, make the most of it!
American Founding Father, orator and politician (1736 - 1799)