The American Reader Quotes

“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”
― Diane Ravitch, The American Reader: Words that Moved a Nation

“that in America THE LAW IS KING. For as in absolute governments the king is law, so in free countries the law ought to BE king, and there ought to be no other.”
― Diane Ravitch, The American Reader: Words that Moved a Nation

“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!”
― Diane Ravitch, The American Reader: Words that Moved a Nation

“Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne.”
― Diane Ravitch, The American Reader: Words that Moved a Nation

“Rulers are no more than attorneys, agents, and trustees, for the people; and if the cause, the interest and trust, is insidiously betrayed, or wantonly trifled away, the people have a right to revoke the authority that they themselves have deputed, and to constitute abler and better agents, attorneys, and trustees.”
― Diane Ravitch, The American Reader: Words that Moved a Nation

“Every man prompted by revenge, ill humor, or wantonness to inspect the inside of his neighbor’s house may get a writ of assistance.”
― Diane Ravitch, The American Reader: Words that Moved a Nation

“It appears to me the worst instrument of arbitrary power, the most destructive of English liberty and the fundamental principles of law, that ever was found in an English lawbook.”
― Diane Ravitch, The American Reader: Words that Moved a Nation