Artifice Quote by Fisher Ames
“I am commonly opposed to those who modestly assume the rank of champions of liberty, and make a very patriotic noise about the people. It is the stale artifice which has duped the world a thousand times, and yet, though detected, it is still successful. I love liberty as well as anybody. I am proud of it, as the true title of our people to distinction above others; but . . . I would guard it by making the laws strong enough to protect it.”
About This Quote
Source Letter (1798) to a political colleague
He warns that self‑appointed “champions of liberty” can become a dangerous, deceptive force, and true liberty needs strong laws to protect it.
In simple terms: Liberty can be misused; strong laws protect it.
Key Takeaway
Guard liberty with robust legal frameworks.
Themes
freedom
law
political rhetoric
guardrails
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative drafting
- public discourse
- citizen education
Key Concepts
republicanism
civic virtue
political manipulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can laws balance freedom and security?
- What safeguards stop rhetoric from becoming oppression?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on liberty can ignore necessary protections.
![“[Why] should not the Bible regain the place it once held as a school book? Its morals are pure, its examples captivating and noble. The reverence for the Sacred Book that is thus early impressed lasts long; and probably if not impressed in infancy, never takes firm hold of the mind.” quote by Fisher Ames](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ef1/fisher-ames-19639_bible_why-should-not-the-bible-regain-the-plac_1033233.jpg)
