William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare, (1564-1616) Playwright

William Shakespeare Quote

“So every bondman in his own hand bear
The power to cancel his captivity.”

William ShakespeareWilliam Shakespeare
~ William Shakespeare

Julius Caesar (Casca at I, iii)

Ratings and Comments


J Carlton, Calgary

I don't know why, but the first thing I thought of was the Second Amendment.

Mann, Kalamazoo

Perhaps Calgary, the 2nd springs to mind because you feel Shakespeare is suggesting one is 'free' to fire when they're offended enough - though I'd caution that when one does opt to shoot, he's also turned himself into a free-fire TARGET. Shakespeare knew physical-mental-moral bondage well. The "captivity" he proposes canceling is spiritual in nature. After all, one doesn't have to be a contented slave. However common it remains among men and leadership, shouldn't murder remain a last resort? Isaac Asimov: "Violence is the last resort of the incompetent." Boy, no kidding Isaac.

J Carlton, Calgary

Mann, I have no intention of "firing away" at anything for simply being offended... ever...but I will defend myself and my family from aggression. That includes anything trying to implement any form of physical bondage. And if you would not...you need to develop a sense of morality.

Mike, Norwalk

As a whole, distinguishing a palpable state of being from a domain of possible actions, every bondman has the inalienable right to cancel captivity. Mann, your liberal / progressive expansion to an illegitimate conclusion (complete with your academic out or, debate technique - "Perhaps") misrepresented the 2nd Amendment. The 2nd Amendment is a defensive right. It does not expand into an unlawful justification to fire freely after being sufficiently offended. If physically threatened or accosted, the 2nd Amendment illustrates an appropriate defensive posture - a preservation of self (personally and/or in concert).

Publius
  • Reply
Publius    11/20/12

Every society gets the government that it deserves. If your government oppresses you and your fellow countrymen, it is your right, your duty to throw off such government and establish new guards for your future security. If you are unwilling to do that than you deserve to live on your knees. So crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you.

E Archer, NYC

The revolution is first of the mind. Most do not know they are in bondage and thus their slavery is of their own making.

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