Quotes by Patrick Henry


Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
– Patrick Henry
For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and provide for it.
– Patrick Henry
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 the future but by the past.
– Patrick Henry
I have now disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that is the Christian religion.
– Patrick Henry
Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of commerce as it is to the health and vigor of citizenship.
– Patrick Henry
The great object is that every man be armed.
– Patrick Henry
The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.
– Patrick Henry
We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of Nature has placed in our power.. the battle, sir, is not to the strong alone it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.
– Patrick Henry
Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.
– Patrick Henry
Fear is the passion of slaves.
– Patrick Henry