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.”
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.
Stand against oppressive norms.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- legal reform
- civil protest
- education campaigns
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern customs threaten personal liberty?
- How can societies balance order with freedom?
Resistance can be met with violent repression.