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Arbitrary Quote by George Washington

“The crisis is arrived when we must assert our rights, or submit to every imposition, that can be heaped upon us, till custom and use shall make us as tame and abject slaves, as the blacks we rule over with such arbitrary sway.” quote by George Washington
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“The crisis is arrived when we must assert our rights, or submit to every imposition, that can be heaped upon us, till custom and use shall make us as tame and abject slaves, as the blacks we rule over with such arbitrary sway.”

George Washington

About This Quote

Source Letter to Congress, 1790

Citizens must defend their rights against oppressive customs that turn them into subservient slaves.

In simple terms: Defend rights or become enslaved by tradition.

Key Takeaway

Stand against oppressive norms.

Themes

freedom rights oppression slavery

Mood

determined serious reflective

Type

political historical

When to use this quote

  • legal reform
  • civil protest
  • education campaigns

Key Concepts

political theory civil rights historical context

Questions to Reflect On

  • What modern customs threaten personal liberty?
  • How can societies balance order with freedom?
A Different Perspective

Resistance can be met with violent repression.

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