No: until I want the protection of Massachusetts to be…
“No: until I want the protection of Massachusetts to be extended to me in some distant Southern port, where my liberty is endangered, or until I am bent solely on building up an estate at home by peaceful enterprise, I can afford to refuse allegiance to Massachusetts, and her right to my property and life. It costs me less in every sense to incur the penalty of disobedience to the State than it would to obey. I should feel as if I were worth less in that case.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
One should reject allegiance to a government that threatens personal liberty and property, even at personal cost.
In simple terms: Reject oppressive authority despite personal sacrifice.
Key Takeaway
Stand against unjust laws.
Themes
individual liberty
civil disobedience
government authority
personal sacrifice
political philosophy
Mood
defiant
principled
philosophical
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- activism
- legal protest
- personal decision-making
- political advocacy
- ethical dilemmas
Key Concepts
Social contract theory
nonviolent resistance
ethical autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is personal liberty worth legal penalties?
- When should one obey unjust laws?
A Different Perspective
Risk of social isolation and legal repercussions.