The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them

How fitting is it that the French vote on the opaque EU constitution is taking place on Patrick Henry's birthday (1736-1799)?

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.

The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them.

Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.

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

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.

And this little-known quote is for the multitudes clamoring for peace and dialog at every turn of the road:

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!