Patrick Henry Quotes

1736–1799 United States

Patrick Henry (29 May 1736 – 6 June 1799) was an American attorney, planter and politician who became known as an orator during the movement for independence in Virginia in the 1770s. A U.S.

United States
Lawyers
Orators

Also known as: Henry, Patrick

Random Patrick Henry quote

43 quotes

The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past.

Speech in the Second Virginia Convention (1775)

The great object is that every man be armed… Everyone who is able may have a gun.

I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past.

Speech in the Second Virginia Convention (1775)

I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.

Speech in the Virginia Convention (1775)

A King, by disallowing Acts of this salutary nature, from being the father of his people, degenerated into a Tyrant and forfeits all rights to his subjects' obedience.

Speech on the Parson's Cause (1763)

Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense?

I shall honour the Quakers for their noble Effort to abolish Slavery. It is equally calculated to promote moral & political Good.

Letter to Robert Pleasants (1773)

I will not, I cannot justify it... I believe a time will come when an opportunity will be offered to abolish this lamentable evil.

The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American.

Speech in the First Continental Congress (1774)

United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs.

Speech (1799)

Show me that age and country where the rights and liberties of the people were placed on the sole chance of their rulers being good men, without a consequent loss of liberty?

If she chuses to set free one or two of my slaves she is to have full power to do so.

Last Will and Testament (1798)

When the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: Liberty, Sir, was then the primary object.

This is all the inheritance I can give to my dear family. The religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.

Last Will and Testament (1798)

Give me liberty, or give me death!

Speech in the Second Virginia Convention (1775)

Tarquin and Cæsar had each his Brutus—Charles the First, his Cromwell—and George the Third—("Treason!" shouted the Speaker) may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it.

speech (1765)

I am not a Virginian but an American.

It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that Syren, till she transforms us to beasts.

The Modern Reader and Speaker (1879)

Caesar had his Brutus, Charles the First his Cromwell; and George the Third — may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it.

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Patrick Henry (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.