While we're on the topic of required reading (and while I'm getting cheap and easy posts off the brilliance of others), allow me to point you to the complete text of Patrick Henry's famous 1775 speech, "Give Me Liberty, or Give Me Death". While you're at it, read some background on the speech and why it was given, and see some pictures of what the gathering may have looked like.
Since I greatly fear than many of you will not go read the entire speech, allow me to quote the final paragraph.
It is in vain, sir, to extentuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!Many in his audience were loath to take up arms and fight, but after his challenge what man could remain impassive and unmoved?
I've been told that somewhere, Patrick Henry is in my family tree, but I haven't been able to verify that. (It makes for an interesting story, never the less.) Anyway, the last name "Henry" is part of the Scottish McDougall clan. That little tidbit by itself is most uninteresting, but what is interesting is the clan motto, translated as "Conquer or Die."
I wonder if the esteemed Mr. Henry wasn't really expanding upon the McDougall clan ideal, culminating with an english paraphrase of the clan motto.
How many people should I be willing to kill in order to preserve my own liberty, or the liberty of my children?
"Should you be"? I suppose that depends on the value you place on your freedom.
I value my freedom very highly, but I think I would have to actually be in a situation in which my freedom was gravely challenged before I can know how far I would be willing to go.
The text/language/rhetoric of Patrick Henry's speech alone does not move me. You asked, "after his challenge what man could remain impassive and unmoved?" And I answer, similarly to the way you did, "well, I don't really know, that depends." On something outside of the simple inflammatory sentiments expressed by Patrick Henry.
All I'm trying to say is that I don't really think Patrick Henry's famous statements are all that admirable or poignant. Historically relevant, certainly, but not genius.
Ha! I followed the 'pictures' link, and every sketch of Patrick Henry shows him with his fist raised in the air! For some reason, that strikes me as completely hilarious. He's a one-trick pony! He has been transformed by historians into an historical sentiment, an idea.
Yeah, but you aren't interested in rhetoric. He was known as a great orator, not a great thinker. He was heavily involved in the creation of our country, but he didn't come up with the ideas in the same way that Jefferson and Madison did.
I agree with you. Give me pudding, or give me pudding!
If only I had some popcorn. I love the nice speech, but I'm hungry.
Hey Nicholas, All of them.
Interesting. I'll dwell on it and then come back for seconds. Patrick Henry is a very interesting guy to do your semester report on.
you guy are retarded write something about how the speech made you feel