Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Comment on this quote Share via Email Print this Page Dorothy Thompson Quote “It is not the fact of liberty but the way in which liberty is exercised that ultimately determines whether liberty itself survives.” ~ Dorothy Thompson (1894-1961) Independence , Liberty , Responsibility , Self-Determination , Self-Reliance , Vigilance Ratings and Comments 3 Reply Dan, Youghal 6/16/08 She is right, and possibly taken in context with the rest of what she said she does mention detailed ways in which it is responsibly exercised. Liberty demands being responsible for ones actions but in recent times no one wants to be responsible for anything let alone being responsible for the "Law of the Land" which protects their rights from those who would pervert them. America has (because it did not learn from the past) another harsh lesson to learn. 2 Reply Waffler, Smith, Arkansas 6/16/08 "Use it or Lose It". "No pain no gain". These old saws apply to many things it seems. 5 Reply E Archer, NYC 6/16/08 Therefore 'might does not make right.' 'The ends do not justify the means.' In other words, Liberty is a 'way' not an end. It requires something from us -- it is the only thing you can have as long as you give it to others. It is obviously for an honorable and courageous people, not a self-righteous and domineering people -- and certainly a dependent and indebted people do not even know Liberty at all. 3 Reply Ken, Allyn, WA 6/16/08 Exercise liberty without being a libertine, and liberty will survive. 3 Reply Waffler, Smith, Arkansas 6/17/08 Good Ken I like that! 1 Reply Me Again 6/18/08 This quote is well expressed and I agree with it. Great words to live by. Reply warren, olathe 6/22/08 3 Reply Mike, Norwalk 1/30/15 Welcome to Amerika, where liberty was an approachable concept through limiting government to a very minimal scope (life, liberty, property) at natural law BUT, is now lost to unlawful usurpations and other anti-liberty/natural law exercises.Archer, extremely well said. 3 Reply Patrick Henry, Red Hill 7/20/17 Ultimately, Liberty is a state of spiritual and mental being, the vitality of which is sustained by Virtue. Reply Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown 7/22/24 Liberties practiced correctly will insure their respective survival. SaveOk2 SaveOk2 View CommentsClick to view or comment. Share on Facebook Tweet Email Print This Dorothy Thompson quote is found in these categories: Independence quotes Liberty quotes Responsibility quotes Self-Determination quotes Self-Reliance quotes Vigilance quotes About Dorothy Thompson Bio of Dorothy Thompson Quotations by Dorothy Thompson Books by/about Dorothy Thompson Dorothy Thompson videos Dorothy Thompson on Wikipedia Astrological chart for Dorothy Thompson