Skip to content

O Liberty, white Goddess! is it well to leave the gates…

“O Liberty, white Goddess! is it well to leave the gates unguarded? On thy breast fold Sorrow's children, soothe the hurts of Fate, lift the down-trodden, but with hand of steel stay those who to thy sacred portals come to waste the gifts of Freedom.” quote by Thomas Bailey Aldrich
Download Open image
“O Liberty, white Goddess! is it well to leave the gates unguarded? On thy breast fold Sorrow's children, soothe the hurts of Fate, lift the down-trodden, but with hand of steel stay those who to thy sacred portals come to waste the gifts of Freedom.”

Thomas Bailey Aldrich

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A plea for vigilance over freedom, urging protection of liberty while caring for the suffering and preventing misuse of its gifts.

In simple terms: Protect freedom but also help the vulnerable.

Key Takeaway

Guard liberty while compassionately aiding the oppressed.

Themes

freedom responsibility compassion justice

Mood

determined hopeful

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • government policy
  • community activism
  • humanitarian aid
  • civil rights movements

Key Concepts

civic duty ethical guardianship social welfare

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we protect liberty without becoming oppressive?
  • What responsibilities do we have toward those harmed by freedom?
A Different Perspective

Balancing protection with openness can be difficult.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Thomas Bailey Aldrich

Explore all 116 Thomas Bailey Aldrich quotes

More Breasts quotes

Browse all 1,224 Breasts quotes