Freedom Quote by John Dickinson
“Kings or parliaments could not give the rights essential to happiness. We claim them from a higher source. from the King of kings, and Lord of all the earth. They are not annexed to us by parchments and seals. They are created in us by the decrees of Providence, which establish the laws of our nature. They are born with us; exist with us; and cannot be taken from us by any human power without taking our lives. In short, they are founded on the immutable maxims of reason and justice. It would be an insult on the Divine Majesty to say that he has given or allowed any man or body of men a right to make me miserable.”
About This Quote
Source Document: Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania, 1776
Rights are inherent, derived from a higher moral order, not granted by governments; they are immutable and cannot be stripped without severe consequences.
In simple terms: Rights come from a higher source, not rulers.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and protect inherent rights.
Themes
freedom
justice
human rights
divine law
Mood
determined
hopeful
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- civil protests
- legal reforms
- educational curricula
- activism
Key Concepts
natural law
political theory
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we safeguard rights against oppression?
- What role does morality play in law?
A Different Perspective
Rights can be contested by those in power.
