Quotes About Independence

The small landholders are the most precious part of a state.

Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independant, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bands.

A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth, general or particular, and what no just government should refuse, or rest on inferences

The issue today is the same as it has been throughout all history, whether man shall be allowed to govern himself or be ruled by a small elite

The greatest calamity which could befall us would be submission to a government of unlimited powers

I am opposed to any form of tyranny over the mind of man.

And even should the cloud of barbarism and despotism again obscure the science and liberties of Europe, this country remains to preserve and restore light and liberty to them. In short, the flames kindled on the fourth of July, 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them.

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.

The basis of our government being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.

One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them.

The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive.

One travels more usefully when alone, because he reflects more.

I have no fear that the result of our experiment will be that men may be trusted to govern themselves without a master.

The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time.

For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well-organized and armed militia is their best security.

This is the Fourth?

A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on earth, general or particular, and what no just government should to rest on inference.

A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks.

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government. That government is best which governs least.

Never trouble another for what you can do for yourself.

That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.

The beauty of the second amendment is that it will not be needed until they try to take it.

The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive. It will often be exercised when wrong, but better so than not to be exercised at all. I like a little rebellion now and then.

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.