Quotes · Skopia

15 quotes

SortEditorial Year Length

Topic·Threats to freedom✕clear

I am certain, however, that nothing has done so much to destroy the juridical safeguards of individual freedom as the striving after this mirage of social justice.

Friedrich Hayek

1973

★ 1.8

Tyranny is always better organized than freedom.

1943

★ 1.9

The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedients, and by parts.

1777

★ 1.9

Speech · Political speech

It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising the sovereignty. Usurpation is then an easy attainment, and an usurper soon found. The people themselves become the willing instruments of their own debasement and ruin. Let us, then, look to the great cause, and endeavor to preserve it in full force. Let us by all wise and constitutional measures promote intelligence among the people as the best means of preserving our liberties.

First Inaugural Address of James Monroe · 1817

★ 2.0

Political literature

So long as the State exists, there can be no freedom. When there is freedom there will be no State.

State and Revolution · 1917

★ 2.0

Speech · Political speech

In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger.

John F. Kennedy

Inaugural Address of John F. Kennedy · 1961

★ 2.1

Speech · Political speech

I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!

Barry Goldwater

1964 Republican convention speech · 1964

★ 3.5

Liberty lies in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it.

1944

★ 3.5

Dissertation · Newspaper · Political literature

The jaws of power are always opened to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible to destroy, the freedom of thinking, speaking and writing.

1765

★ 3.6

Speech · Political speech

I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.

1788

★ 3.6

Pamphlet · Political literature

Freedom hath been hunted round the globe. Asia and Africa have long expelled her. Europe regards her like a stranger, and England hath given her warning to depart. O! receive the fugitive, and prepare in time an asylum for mankind.

Common Sense · 1776

★ 3.7

Pamphlet · Political literature

No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.

1795

★ 3.8

Speech · Political speech

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.

1961

★ 3.8

Speech · Political speech

Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom: it is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.

William Pitt, Earl of Chatham

1783

★ 6.9

Supreme Court opinion · Legal opinion · Dissenting opinion · Legal writing

The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding.

Olmstead v. United States · 1928

★ 6.9