Samuel Adams Quotes about Liberty

Liberty will not long survive the total extinction of morals.

Among the natural rights of the colonists are these: First a right to life, secondly to liberty, and thirdly to property; together with the right to defend them in the best manner they can.

It is no dishonor to be in a minority in the cause of liberty and virtue

If we suffer tamely a lawless attack upon our liberty, we encourage it, and involve others in our doom.

All might be free if they valued freedom, and defended it as they should.

The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending against all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks.

A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy.

Our union is now complete; our constitution composed, established, and approved. You are now the guardians of your own liberties.

Religion and good morals are the only solid foundation of public liberty and happiness.

Mankind are governed more by their feelings than by reason.

If virtue & knowledge are diffused among the people, they will never be enslav'd. This will be their great security.

Shame on the men who can court exemption from present trouble and expense at the price of their own posterity's liberty!

We cannot make events. Our business is wisely to improve them.

[M]en will be free no longer then while they remain virtuous.

No people ever yet groaned under the heavy yoke of slavery, but when they deserv'd it. ...The truth is, all might be free if they valued freedom, and defended it as they ought. ...If therefore a people will not be free; if they have not virtue enough to maintain their liberty against a presumptuous invader, they deserve no pity, and are to be treated with contempt and ignominy.

The diminution of public virtue is usually attended with that of public happiness, and the public liberty will not long survive the total extinction of morals.