The spirit of revolution, the spirit of insurrection, is a spirit radically opposed to liberty.

If not us, who? If not now, when?

If there was ever a just war since the world began, it is this in which America is now engaged.

Disobedience, in the eyes of anyone who has read history, is man’s original virtue. It is through disobedience that progress has been made—through disobedience and through rebellion.

In revolutions men fall and rise. Long before this war is over, much as you hear me praised now, you may hear me cursed and insulted.

All modern revolutions have ended in a reinforcement of the power of the state.

Insurgents are like conquerors: they must go forward; the moment they are stopped, they are lost.

Revolution can never be forecast; it cannot be foretold; it comes of itself. Revolution is brewing and is bound to flare up.

Those who give the first shock to a state are the first overwhelmed in its ruin; the fruits of public commotion are seldom enjoyed by him who was the first mover; he only beats the water for another’s net.