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.”


Ratings and Comments


Dan, Youghal

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.

Waffler, Smith, Arkansas

"Use it or Lose It". "No pain no gain". These old saws apply to many things it seems.

E Archer, NYC

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.

Ken, Allyn, WA

Exercise liberty without being a libertine, and liberty will survive.

Waffler, Smith, Arkansas

Good Ken I like that!

Me Again
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  • Reply
    Me Again    6/18/08

    This quote is well expressed and I agree with it. Great words to live by.

    Mike, Norwalk

    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.

    Patrick Henry, Red Hill

    Ultimately, Liberty is a state of spiritual and mental being, the vitality of which is sustained by Virtue.

    Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

    Liberties practiced correctly will insure their respective survival.

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