American revolution Quote by Samuel Eliot Morison
“If the American Revolution had produced nothing but the Declaration of Independence, it would have been worth while. . . . The beauty and cogency of the preamble, reaching back to remotest antiquity and forward so an indefinite future, have lifted the hearts of millions of men and will continue to do. . . . These words are more revolutionary than anything written by Robespierre, Marx, or Lenin, more explosive than the atom, a continual challenge to ourselves as well as an inspiration to the oppressed of all the world.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Oxford History of the American Revolution, 1965
The Declaration’s profound language alone justifies the Revolution’s value, inspiring countless people across time.
In simple terms: The preamble’s words are powerful and timeless.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the lasting impact of powerful ideas.
Themes
freedom
inspiration
history
revolution
literature
Mood
proud
reflective
Type
historical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- public speaking
- activism
- writing
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
political philosophy
rhetoric
cultural legacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do words shape movements?
- What responsibilities follow inspiring rhetoric?
A Different Perspective
The Declaration alone cannot secure liberty without action.
![“Our adversaries [ the Confederate States of America ] have adopted some declarations of independence in which, unlike the good old one penned by Jefferson, they omit the words "all men are created equal." Why? They have adopted a temporary national constitution, in the preamble of which, unlike…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/dfb/abraham-lincoln-88_adopted_our-adversaries-the-confederate-states-o_2571600.jpg)
![“A tough but nervous, tenacious but restless race [the Yankees]; materially ambitious, yet prone to introspection, and subject to waves of religious emotion. . . . A race whose typical member is eternally torn between a passion for righteousness and a desire to get on in the world.” quote by Samuel Eliot Morison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c02/samuel-eliot-morison-27265_ambitious_a-tough-but-nervous-tenacious-but-restle_714672.jpg)
