Being free Quote by John Dickinson
“Let these truths be indelibly impressed on our minds — that we cannot be happy, without being FREE — that we cannot be free, without being secure in our property— that we cannot be secure in our property, if, without our consent, others may, as by right, take it away — that taxes imposed on us by parliament, do thus take it away.”
About This Quote
Source Document: The Articles of Confederation, John Dickinson, 1776
Freedom, security, and property rights are linked; taxation without consent threatens liberty.
In simple terms: Freedom needs secure property; taxes must have consent.
Key Takeaway
Guard against non‑consensual taxation.
Themes
political theory
property rights
taxation
Mood
reflective
political
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- voting
- tax policy debates
- constitutional drafting
Key Concepts
social contract
civil liberties
government authority
Questions to Reflect On
- What constitutes fair taxation?
- How do we protect property while funding public goods?
A Different Perspective
Balancing public needs with individual rights is complex.
