Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr., (1809-1894) American Poet

Famous Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. Quote

“Liberty is often a heavy burden on a man. It involves the necessity for perpetual choice which is the kind of labor men have always dreaded.”

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
~ Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Elsie Venner, 1861

Ratings and Comments


Mike, Norwalk

too funny, too true

Logan, Memphis, TN

I don't necessarily like Holmes, but the quote is accurate enough.

Anon
  • Reply
Anon    3/11/10

Holmes wasn't kidding either--"...;and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed...."

Anonymous, Reston, VA, US

Or one can make a choice once to just "go with the flow and not choose", which is itself a form of personal liberty which does not involve perpetual choice making...

jim k, Austin

The liberal termites in Washington and elsewhere never rest as they eat away at our liberties. We must therefore be perpetually on guard as these vermin are working night and day to bring down this country.

J Carlton, Calgary

jim k, true enough. Canada has now joined the US in giving Police the power of unwarranted search and seizure. We are at a cross roads and there will have to be a great reckoning...before it's all gone.

J Carlton, Calgary

Correction: It is being considered in legislation.

cal, lewisville, tx

Not to worry-Big Brother knows what's good for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RBESRQ
  • Reply
RBESRQ    3/11/10

Unfortunately the choice we make has always been one of greed and security over rectitude.

J Carlton, Calgary

RBE, do you mean the choice "you" make?

RBESRQ
  • Reply
    RBESRQ    3/11/10

    Yes Carlton, both you and me, unless you are not part of the human race.

    @

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