James Otis Quotes (23 Quotes)

It is a clear truth that those who every day barter away other men's liberty will soon care little for their own.

My dear sister, I hope, when God Almighty in his righteous providence shall take me out of time into eternity, that it will be by a flash of lightning.

Every one with this writ may be a tyrant; if this commission be legal, a tyrant in a legal manner, also, may control, imprison, or murder any one within the realm.

I have accordingly considered it, and now appear not only in obedience to your order, but likewise in behalf of the inhabitants of this town, who have presented another petition, and out of regard to the liberties of the subject.

I was solicited to argue this cause as Advocate-General and, because I would not, I have been charged with desertion from my office.

But I think I can sincerely declare that I cheerfully submit myself to every odious name for conscience' sake; and from my soul I despise all those whose guilt, malice, or folly has made them my foes.

A man's house is his castle.

A man's house is his castle and whilst he is quiet, he is as well guarded as a prince in his castle.

If we are not represented, we are slaves.

Taxation without representation is tyranny.

Let the consequences be what they will, I am determined to proceed.

Every man may reign secure in his petty tyranny, and spread terror and desolation around him, until the trump of the Archangel shall excite different emotions in his soul.

I do not say that, when brought to the test, I shall be invincible.

MAY it please your Honors: I was desired by one of the court to look into the books, and consider the question now before them concerning Writs of Assistance.

Your Honors will find in the old books concerning the office of a justice of the peace precedents of general warrants to search suspected houses.

I will to my dying day oppose, with all the powers and faculties God has given me, all such instruments of slavery on the one hand and villainy on the other as this Writ of Assistance is.

I only served with them 64 days as a mechanic in Italy,

I pray God I may never be brought to the melancholy trial; but, if ever I should, it will then be known how far I can reduce to practice principles which I know to be founded in truth.

The only principles of public conduct that are worthy of a gentleman or a man are to sacrifice estate, ease, health, and applause, and even life, to the sacred calls of his country.

Now, one of the most essential branches of English liberty is the freedom of one's house.

In the third place, a person with this writ, in the daytime, may enter all houses, shops, etc., at will, and command all to assist him.

A man is accountable to no person for his doings.

These manly sentiments, in private life, make good citizens; in public life, the patriot and the hero.