Christianity Quote by Margaret Thatcher
![“Human rights did not begin with the French Revolution...[they] really stem from a mixture of Judaism and Christianity...[we English] had 1688, our quiet revolution, where Parliament exerted its will over the King...it was not the sort of Revolution that France's was...'Liberty, equality…” quote by Margaret Thatcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/662/margaret-thatcher-463_christianity_human-rights-did-not-begin-with-the-fren_1272124.jpg)
“Human rights did not begin with the French Revolution...[they] really stem from a mixture of Judaism and Christianity...[we English] had 1688, our quiet revolution, where Parliament exerted its will over the King...it was not the sort of Revolution that France's was...'Liberty, equality, fraternity' - they forgot obligations and duties I think. And then of course the fraternity went missing for a long time.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Conservative Party Conference, 1980, United Kingdom
The quote argues that modern human rights evolved from religious traditions and a peaceful English constitutional shift, not solely from the French Revolution, and that liberty must be balanced with duty.
In simple terms: Human rights stem from religion and English reform, not just French Revolution; liberty needs duty.
Key Takeaway
Balance freedom with responsibility.
Themes
politics
history
rights
religion
law
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
historical
When to use this quote
- parliamentary debates
- human rights education
- policy making
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
social contract
civil liberties
constitutionalism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure duties accompany freedoms?
- What other traditions shaped human rights?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook the role of popular uprisings and other cultural influences.
![“[When asked how it felt to be a female prime minister:] I don't know: I've never experienced the alternative.” quote by Margaret Thatcher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/324/margaret-thatcher-463_alternatives_when-asked-how-it-felt-to-be-a-female-pr_15081.jpg)
