Patrick Henry Quotes

Patrick Henry Biography
Type: Revolutionary
Nationality: American
Born: May 29, 1736
Died: June 6, 1799

Patrick Henry (May 29, 1736 – June 6, 1799) was an orator and politician who led the movement for independence in Virginia in the 1770s. A Founding Father, he served as the first and sixth post-colonial Governor of Virginia from 1776 to 1779 and subsequently, from 1784 to 1786. Henry led the opposition to the Stamp Act of 1765 and is well remembered for his "Give me Liberty, or give me Death!" speech. Along with Samuel Adams and Thomas Paine, he is remembered as one of the most influential exponents of Republicanism, promoters of the American Revolution and Independence, especially in his denunciations of corruption in government officials and his defense of historic rights. After the Revolution, Henry was a leader of the anti-federalists in Virginia who opposed the United States Constitution, fearing that it endangered the rights of the States, as well as the freedoms of individuals.

Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense?
Patrick Henry

Fear is the passion of slaves.
Patrick Henry

For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst and provide for it.
Patrick Henry

Give me liberty or give me death.
Patrick Henry

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.
Patrick Henry

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience.
Patrick Henry

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.
Patrick Henry

I know no way of judging the future but by the past.
Patrick Henry

I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me liberty or give me death.
Patrick Henry

I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.
Patrick Henry

I like dreams of the future better than the history of the past.
Patrick Henry

If this be treason, make the most of it!
Patrick Henry

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!
Patrick Henry

Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of commerce as it is to the health and vigor of citizenship.
Patrick Henry

The Bible is worth all the other books which have ever been printed.
Patrick Henry

The great object is that every man be armed.
Patrick Henry

The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.
Patrick Henry

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.
Patrick Henry

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.
Patrick Henry

When the American spirit was in its youth, the language of America was different: Liberty, sir, was the primary object.
Patrick Henry