On the record
This Liberty is the proper end and object of authority, and cannot subsist without it; and it is a liberty to that only which is good, just, and honest.
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gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner defines liberty as the ultimate purpose of authority, emphasizing its moral dimensions.
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More from Charles Sumner
Out of this pernicious prejudice have proceeded that persecution and neglect which are the too frequent lot of the world's pioneers.
Nor should we be too impatient to witness the fulfilment of our aspirations.
In this contest, we may borrow from the ancient Greek, who, when his hands were cut off, fought with his stumps, and even with his teeth.
But so long as War exists as an Institution this terrible inconsistency must appear.
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