If we are made in some degree for others, yet in a greater…
“If we are made in some degree for others, yet in a greater are we made for ourselves. It were contrary to feeling and indeed ridiculous to suppose that a man had less rights in himself than one of his neighbors, or indeed all of them put together. This would be slavery, and not that liberty which the bill of rights has made inviolable, and for the preservation of which our government has been charged.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Individuals possess inherent rights; any restriction is slavery, contrary to liberty.
In simple terms: People have natural rights; limiting them is slavery.
Key Takeaway
Defend individual liberty.
Themes
liberty
rights
government
Mood
principled
reflective
Type
political
historical
When to use this quote
- legal reforms
- civil rights movements
- public policy
Key Concepts
political philosophy
human rights
constitutional law
Questions to Reflect On
- What rights are most essential today?
- How should government protect liberty?
A Different Perspective
Balancing individual rights with collective good is complex.