On the record
They are the only rights by which any man can protect his own property, liberty, or life against any one who may be disposed to take it away.
Said by
Lysander Spooner
Source
gutenberg.orgLysander Spooner: “They are the only rights by which any man can protect his own property, liberty, or life against any one who may be…”
Editor's note · Context
Spooner claims that individual rights are essential for protecting one's property and life.
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More from Lysander Spooner
When they have once taken our money, they have the decency to get out of our sight as soon as possible; they do not persist in following us, and robbing us, again and again, so long as we produce anything that they can take from us.
They do not tell us of the almshouses, hospitals, schools, churches, etc., which, out of the purest charity and benevolence, they maintain for our benefit, out of the money they take from us.
On the contrary, they acknowledge themselves robbers, murderers, and villains, pure and simple.
They do not carry their heads high, above all other men, and demand our reverence and admiration, as statesmen, patriots, and benefactors.