Adversity toughens manhood, and the characteristic of the good or the great man is not that he has been exempt from the evils of life, but that he has surmounted them.

Patrick Henry

Categorized in : Men Evil Adversity

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.

kings love war

I look on that paper (the Constitution) as the most fatal plan that could possibly be conceived to enslave a free people.

paper people looks

The battle is not to the strong alone. It is to the vigilant, the active, and the brave. A small, disciplined militia can not only hold out against a larger force, but drive it back, because what they're fighting for rightfully belongs to them.

fighting strong brave

Implements of war and subjugation are the last arguments to which... by Patrick Henry

Implements of war and subjugation are the last arguments to which kings resort.

lasts kings war

The Constitution is said to have beautiful features; but when I come to examine these features, Sir, they appear to me horribly frightful. Among other deformities, it has an awful squinting - it squints towards monarchy. And does not this raise indignation in the breast of every true American? Your president may easily become king. Where are your checks in this government? I would rather infinitely - and I am sure most of this convention are of the same opinion - have a king, lords, and commons than a government so replete with such insupportable evils.

squinting kings beautiful

First, the constitution ought to secure a genuine and guard against a select militia, by providing that the militia shall always be kept well organized, armed, and disciplined, and include, according to the past and general usuage of the states, all men capable of bearing arms; and that all regulations tending to render this general militia useless and defenceless, by establishing select corps of militia, or distinct bodies of military men, not having permanent interests and attachments in the community to be avoided.

military men past

What right do they have to say "we the people" rather than we the... by Patrick Henry

What right do they have to say "we the people" rather than we the States?

constitution states people

I believe a time will come when an opportunity will be offered to abolish this lamentable evil. Everything we do is to improve it, if it happens in our day; if not, let us transmit to our descendants, together with our slaves, a pity for their unhappy lot and an abhorrence of slavery.

evil opportunity believe

There is a Book worth all other books which were ever printed. by Patrick Henry

There is a Book worth all other books which were ever printed.

printed book

Be of good courage, my son, and remember that the best men always... by Patrick Henry

Be of good courage, my son, and remember that the best men always make themselves.

men war son

The militia is our ultimate safety. We can have no security without it. The great object is that every man be armed.

militia safety men

Suspicion is a Virtue, if in the interests of the good of the peo... by Patrick Henry

Suspicion is a Virtue, if in the interests of the good of the people.

virtue interest people

We should transmit to posterity our abhorrence of slavery. by Patrick Henry

We should transmit to posterity our abhorrence of slavery.

abhorrence slavery should

Bad men cannot make good citizens. by Patrick Henry

Bad men cannot make good citizens.

tyrants citizens men

Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?

mean lying hands

Liberty ought to be the direct end of your government. by Patrick Henry

Liberty ought to be the direct end of your government.

liberty government ends

Whether this will prove a blessing or a curse, will depend upon the use our people will make of the blessings which a gracious God hath bestowed on us. If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable. Righteousness alone can exalt them as a nation. Reader! Whoever thou art, remember this: and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, an encourage it in others.

wise character art

The whole economy of this lower world proves that it is by labor and perseverance only that good is obtained and evil is avoided.

perseverance evil war

Human nature will never part with power. Look for an example of a voluntary relinquishment of power from one end of the globe to another - you will find none.

human-nature example looks

I am not a Virginian, I am an American. by Patrick Henry

I am not a Virginian, I am an American.

virginians