Quotes About Independence

It is desirable that a man live in all respects so simply and preparedly that if an enemy take the town... he can walk out the gate empty-handed and without anxiety.

The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait until that other is ready, and it may be a long time before they get off.

Why should we be in such desperate haste to succeed and in such desperate enterprises? If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.

Any man more right than his neighbors constitutes a majority of one already.

There will never be a really free and enlightened state until the state comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived.

Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty.

As long as possible live free and uncommitted. It makes but little difference whether you are committed to a farm or the county jail.

I will come to you, my friend, when I no longer need you. Then you will find a palace, not an almshouse.

Let every one mind his own business, and endeavor to be what he was made.

We should go forth on the shortest walk, perchance, in the spirit of undying adventure, never to return; prepared to send back our embalmed hearts only, as relics to our desolate kingdoms. If you are ready to leave father and mother, and brother and sister, and wife and child and friends, and never see them again; if you have paid your debts, and made your will, and settled all your affairs, and are a free man; then you are ready for a walk.

As long as possible live free and uncommitted.

I could not help being struck with the foolishness of that institution which treated me as if I were mere flesh and blood and bones, to be locked up.

They can do without architecture who have no olives nor wines in the cellar

So long as a man is faithful to himself, everything is in his favor, government, society, the very sun, moon, and stars.

Give me a wildness whose glance no civilization can endure

In short, all good things are wild and free.

In what concerns you much, do not think that you have companions: know that you are alone in the world.

I desire that there may be as many different persons in the world as possible; but I would have each one be very careful to find out and pursue his own way, and not his father's or his mother's or his neighbor's instead. The youth may build or plant or sail, only let him not be hindered from doing that which he tells me he would like to do.

I am too high born to be propertied, To be a second at control, Or useful serving-man and instrument To any sovereign state throughout the world.

There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly. I

I believe,—"That government is best which governs not at all;" and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.

A man thinking or working will always be alone, let him be where he will.

he rated it as a gain in coming to America, that here you could get tea, and coffee, and meat every day. But the only true America is that country where you are at liberty to pursue such a mode of life as may enable you to do without these, and where the state does not endeavor to compel you to sustain the slavery and war and other superfluous expenses which directly or indirectly result from the use of such things.

government is best which governs least; and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—That government is best which governs not at all; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.