In the American colonies, the main problem of liberty has been solved, demonstrated and practiced in such a manner as not to leave much to be said by European institutions.
When the government violates the people’s rights, insurrection is, for the people and for each portion of the people, the most sacred of the rights and the most indispensible of duties.
Liberty consists in the freedom to do everything which injures no one else; hence the exercise of the natural rights of each man has no limits except those which assure to the other members of the society the enjoyment of the same rights.
Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country.
Insurrection is the most sacred of rights and the most indispensable of duties.
If the liberties of the American people are ever destroyed, they will fall by the hands of the clergy.
I read, I study, I examine, I listen, I reflect, and out of all of this I try to form an idea into which I put as much common sense as I can.
Till the hour when the trump of the Archangel shall sound to announce that Time shall be no more, the name of Lafayette shall stand enrolled upon the annals of our race, high on the list of the pure and disinterested benefactors of mankind.
All that you are, all that I owe to you, justifies my love.
True republicanism is the sovereignty of the people. There are natural and imprescriptible rights which an entire nation has no right to violate.
Humanity has gained its suit; Liberty will nevermore be without an asylum.
Ambition, as that passion is generally understood,- a strong desire to rise above others, to occupy the first place, – formed no part of Lafayette’s character. In him the passion was nothing more than a constant and irresistible wish to do good.
In my idea General Washington is the greatest man; for I look upon him as the most virtuous.