Algernon Sidney Quotes

[L]iberty cannot be preserved, if the manners of the people are corrupted . . .

Who will wear a shoe that hurts him, because the shoe-maker tells him 'tis well made?

Tis hard to comprehend how one man can come to be master of many, equal to himself in right, unless it be by consent or by force.

Men lived like fishes; the great ones devoured the small.

If his Majesty is resolved to have my head, he may make a whistle of my arse if he pleases.

I will believe in the right of one man to govern a nation despotically when I find a man born unto the world with boots and spurs, and a nation with saddles on their backs.

That which is not just, is not Law; and that which is not Law, ought not to be obeyed.

For violence or fraud can create no right.

Liars need to have good memories.

[I]f vice and corruption prevail, liberty cannot subsist; but if virtue have the advantage, arbitrary power cannot be established.

Laws and constitutions ought to be weighed... to constitute that which is most conducing to the establishment of justice and liberty.

No right can come by conquest, unless there were a right of making that conquest.

Everyone sees they cannot well live asunder, nor many together, without some rule to which all must submit.

Swords were given to men, that none might be Slaves, but such as know not how to use them.

It is not necessary to light a candle to the sun

Many things are unknown to the wisest, and the best men can never wholly divest themselves of passions and affections... nothing can or ought to be permanent but that which is perfect.

That is the best Government, which best provides for war.

God leaves to Man the choice of Forms in Government; and those who constitute one Form, may abrogate it.

I will believe in the right of one man to govern a nation despotically when I find a man born unto the world with boots and spurs and a nation with saddles on their backs.