"There is one writer, and, perhaps, many who do not write, to whom the contraction of these pernicious privileges appears very dangerous, and who startle at the thoughts of England free, and America in chains. Children fly from their own shadow, and rhetoricians are frighted by their own voices. Chains is, undoubtedly, a dreadful word; but, perhaps, the masters of civil wisdom may discover some gradations between chains and anarchy. Chains need not be put upon those who will be restrained without them. This contest may end in the softer phrase of English superiority and American obedience. We are told, that the subjection of Americans may tend to the diminution of our own liberties; an event, which none but very perspicacious politicians are able to foresee. If slavery be thus fatally contagious, how is it that we hear the loudest yelps for liberty among the drivers of negroes?"
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Essayists from EnglandPoets from EnglandPlaywrights from EnglandLexicographersLinguists from England
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Taxation No Tyranny (1775)
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Samuel_Johnson
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Samuel Johnson
1709 β 1784
englischer Gelehrter, Schriftsteller, Kritiker und Lexikograph
358 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Samuel Johnson β
Related Quotes
"Il faut prΓͺcher d'exemple."
"Fitted him to a T."
"The endearing elegance of female friendship."
"Must helpless man, in ignorance sedate, Roll darkling down the torrent of his fate?"
"For patience, sov'reign o'er transmuted ill."
"A jest breaks no bones."
"With these celestial Wisdom calms the mind, And makes the happiness she does not find."
"Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful."
"Men more frequently require to be reminded than informed."
"This singularity of his humour made him much observed."