Quotes by Patrick Henry

• I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.
• Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!
• When the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: Liberty, sir, was the primary object.
• We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of Nature has placed in our power... the battle, sir, is not to the strong alone it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.
• This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The religion of Christ will give them one which will make them rich indeed.
• The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.
• The great object is that every man be armed.
• Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of commerce as it is to the health and vigor of citizenship.
• If this be treason, make the most of it!
• I like dreams of the future better than the history of the past.
• Fear is the passion of slaves.
• The Bible is worth all the other books which have ever been printed.
• I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death.
• Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense?
• Give me liberty or give me death.
• Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.
• I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.
• I have now disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give them, and that is the Christian religion.
• I know no way of judging the future but by the past.