You and I know and do not believe that life is so dear and peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery. If nothing is worth dying for, when did this begin...? ...Should Moses have told the children of Israel to live in slavery under the pharaohs? Should Christ have refused the cross? Should the patriots of Concord Bridge have thrown down their guns and refused to fire the shot heard 'round the world?

Summary

This quote emphasizes the value of freedom and the willingness to fight for it, questioning the significance of a life devoid of any cause worth dying for. It raises provocative examples from history, such as Moses leading the Israelites out of slavery, Christ accepting the cross, and the American patriots standing up against oppression. It challenges the notion of prioritizing personal safety over liberty and implies that there are circumstances when fighting for a just and righteous cause is essential, even if it entails sacrifice.

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