Patrick Henry Quotes

A collection of quotes by Patrick Henry.

Patrick Henry was an American attorney, politician, and orator who played a prominent role in the American Revolution. Born on May 29, 1736, in Hanover County, Virginia, Henry became known for his passionate speeches against British rule in the lead-up to the Revolutionary War. His powerful oratory skills earned him the nickname "The Voice of the Revolution."

Henry first gained recognition in 1765 when he spoke out against the Stamp Act, declaring, "If this be treason, make the most of it!" This phrase became iconic and solidified his reputation as a fearless advocate for colonial rights. Throughout the 1770s, Henry continued to voice his opposition to British policies, championing the idea of American independence.

In 1775, Henry delivered his most famous speech, known as the "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech. Given at Virginia's Provincial Convention, his words inspired many to join the cause of independence and were essential in rallying support for the American Revolution.

Following the war, Henry served as the first governor of Virginia and later became a leading advocate for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. His demand for the inclusion of a Bill of Rights helped secure its adoption. Henry's passion for individual liberties and his unwavering commitment to the cause of American independence left an indelible mark on the nation's history. He passed away on June 6, 1799, leaving behind a legacy of fiery oratory and uncompromising patriotism.

For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am wi

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.

It can not be emphasized too strongly or too often that this

It can not be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Politics God Religion Inspirational Christianity

I know not what others may choose but, as for me, give me li

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

The great object is that every man be armed.

The great object is that every man be armed.

We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which

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.

Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourse

Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled, that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugationthe last arguments to which kings resort.

I have now disposed of all my property to my family. There i

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 have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.

There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be freei

There is no longer any room for hope. If we wish to be freeif we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contendingif we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon, until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtainedwe must fight!I repeat it, sir, we must fight!! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts, is all that is left us!

Religion I have disposed of all my property to my family. Th

Religion I have disposed of all my property to my family. There is one thing more I wish I could give to them, and that is the Christian religion. If they had that and I had not given them one cent, they would be rich. If they have not that, and I had given them the world, they would be poor.

This is all the Inheritance I can give to my dear Family. Th

This is all the Inheritance I can give to my dear Family. The Religion of Christ can give them one which will make them rich indeed.

This is all the inheritance I give to my dear family. The re

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.

Fear is the passion of slaves.

Fear is the passion of slaves.

It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We

It is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truthand listen to the song of that syren, till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those, who having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it might cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

Is the relinquishment of the trial by jury and the liberty o

Is the relinquishment of the trial by jury and the liberty of the press necessary for your liberty? Will the abandonment of your most sacred rights tend to the security of your liberty? Liberty, the greatest of all earthly blessingsgive us that precious jewel, and you may take every thing else! Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel.

Give me liberty or give me death.

Give me liberty or give me death.

For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am wi

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.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is

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

Perfect freedom is as necessary to the health and vigor of c

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

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

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