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Quotes about freedom

567 quotes from 261 people

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The happy Union of these States is a wonder; their Constitution a miracle; their example the hope of Liberty throughout the world.
James Madison1751–1836“Outline” notes (September 1829), in The Writings of James Madison (1910) by Gaillard Hunt, Vol. 9, p. 357
- America
- Liberty
I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations.
James Madison1751–1836Speech at the Virginia Convention to ratify the Federal Constitution (6 June 1788)
- Power
No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.
James Madison1751–1836“Political Observations” (1795-04-20)
- War & Peace
Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other.
James Madison1751–1836“Political Observations” (1795-04-20)
- Liberty
- War & Peace
Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly expires. But it could not be less folly to abolish liberty, which is essential to political life, because it nourishes faction, than it would be to wish the annihilation of air, which is essential to animal life, because it imparts to fire its destructive agency.
James Madison1751–1836Federalist No. 10 (November 22, 1787)In context
- Liberty
- Politics
Armed with the knowledge of our past, we can with confidence charter a course for our future. Culture is an indispensable weapon in the freedom struggle. We must take hold of it and forge the future with the past.
Malcolm X1925–1965Speech at Founding Rally of the Organization of Afro-American Unity (28 June 1964), as quoted in By Any Means Necessary (1970)
- History
You get freedom by letting your enemy know that you’ll do anything to get your freedom; then you’ll get it. It’s the only way you’ll get it.
Malcolm X1925–1965Advice to the Youth of Mississippi (December 31, 1964)
Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression.
Malcolm X1925–1965Malcolm X Speaks (1965), p. 158
- Power
You can’t separate peace from freedom, because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.
Malcolm X1925–1965Speech in New York City (7 January 1965)
- War & Peace
Nobody can give you freedom. Nobody can give you equality or justice or anything. If you’re a man, you take it.
Malcolm X1925–1965Malcolm X Speaks (1965), p. 111
- Justice
Today it’s time to stop singing and start swinging. You can’t sing up on freedom, but you can swing up on some freedom.
Malcolm X1925–1965Speech in Detroit, Michigan (12 April 1964)
We want freedom now, but we’re not going to get it saying “We Shall Overcome”. We’ve got to fight until we overcome.
Malcolm X1925–1965Speech in Cleveland, Ohio (April 3, 1964)
We declare our right on this earth to be a man, to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being, in this society, on this earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary.
Malcolm X1925–1965Speech at the founding rally of the Organization of Afro-American Unity, New York (28 June 1964)
- Race
The people are their own liberators.
Nelson Mandela1918–2013
- Liberty
For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
Nelson Mandela1918–2013First court statement (1962)