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Cybersecurity Quote by Benjamin Franklin

“People willing to trade their freedom for temporary security deserve neither and will lose both.” quote by Benjamin Franklin
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“People willing to trade their freedom for temporary security deserve neither and will lose both.”

Benjamin Franklin

About This Quote

Source Letter to James Duane, 1765

Warns that trading liberty for temporary safety leads to loss of both.

In simple terms: Freedom is priceless; security is fleeting.

Key Takeaway

Guard liberty, even when uneasy.

Themes

freedom security political philosophy

Mood

cautionary philosophical

Type

political ethical

When to use this quote

  • voting
  • activism
  • public policy

Key Concepts

social contract risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

  • What freedoms are you willing to sacrifice?
  • Is temporary security worth losing liberty?
A Different Perspective

Short‑term safety may be illusory.

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