Nip the shoots of arbitrary power in the bud, is the only maxim which can ever preserve the liberties of any people.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant.
The possession of arbitrary power has always, the world over, tended irresistibly to destroy humane sensibility, magnanimity, and truth.
The freedom of each individual can only be the freedom of all.
Power should not be concentrated in the hands of so few, and powerlessness in the hands of so many.
The liberty of the individual must be thus far limited; he must not make himself a nuisance to other people.
Where an excess of power prevails, property of no sort is duly respected. No man is safe in his opinions, his person, his faculties, or his possessions.
Power is given only to those who dare to lower themselves and pick it up. Only one thing matters, one thing; to be able to dare!
In short, is not liberty the freedom of every person to make full use of his faculties, so long as he does not harm other persons while doing so?
Power in defense of freedom is greater than power in behalf of tyranny and oppression, because power, real power, comes from our conviction which produces action, uncompromising action.
The greatest power that a person possesses is the power to choose.