George W. Bush on freedom

Some folks look at me and see swagger, which in Texas is called ‘walking’.

One thing I have learned about the presidency is that whatever shortcomings you have, people are going to notice them⁠—and whatever strengths you have, you’re going to need them.

Freedom and fear, justice and cruelty, have always been at war, and we know that God is not neutral between them.

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

Thomas Jefferson1743–1826Letter to William Stephens Smith (13 November 1787). Manuscript at the Library of Congress.

• Liberty
• War & Peace

The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance.

John Philpot Curran1750–1817Often credited to Thomas Jefferson

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.

Benjamin Franklin1706–1790This was first used by Franklin for the Pennsylvania Assembly in its “Reply to the Governor” (November 11, 1755) Reply to the Governor

• Liberty