May it [American independence] be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all, ) the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately.. These are grounds of hope for others. For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to . Thomas Jefferson
About This Quote

This quote was offered by Samuel Adams to the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It was meant to remind the people of America that they had to work hard to secure freedom. The masses were not born with saddles on their back. They fought for freedom and freedom is what they would be given. The opportunity to make choices and choose for ourselves is something that every human should have.

Source: Letters Of Thomas Jefferson

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  1. I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with my books, my family and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post, which any human power...

  2. Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of Liberty.

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  4. The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.

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