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If life, liberty, and property could be enjoyed in as great perfection in solitude as in society, there would be no need of government.

— James Otis Jr. Argument Against the Writs of Assistance (1761)

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More quotes by James Otis Jr.

We are bold and vigorous, — and we call no man master.

The Class Book of American Literature (1826)

It is a clear truth that those who every day barter away other men's liberty will soon care little for their own.

The Rights of the British Colonies (1764)

If we are not represented, we are slaves.

But the right to take ten pounds, implies the right to take a thousand; and what must be the wealth, that avarice, aided by power, cannot exhaust?

The Class Book of American Literature (1826)

Taxes are not to be laid on the people but by their consent in person or by deputation.

Argument Against the Writs of Assistance (1761)

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There is no governor anywhere; you are all absolutely free. There is no restraint that cannot be escaped.

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: James Otis Jr. (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.