1.
When the government violates the people's rights, insurrection is, for the people and for each portion of the people, the most sacred of the rights and the most indispensible of duties.
Marquis de Lafayette
Revolution is, for the citizens and each section of society, the most revered of privileges and the most indispensable of obligations.
2.
Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country.
Marquis de Lafayette
People have triumphed, freedom now has its own nation.
3.
I read, I study, I examine, I listen, I reflect, and out of all of this I try to form an idea into which I put as much common sense as I can.
Marquis de Lafayette
I peruse, I investigate, I analyze, I heed, I ponder, and from all this I endeavor to assemble a concept into which I inject as much practical wisdom as possible.
4.
Liberty consists in the freedom to do everything which injures no one else; hence the exercise of the natural rights of each man has no limits except those which assure to the other members of the society the enjoyment of the same rights.
Marquis de Lafayette
5.
Insurrection is the most sacred of rights and the most indispensable of duties.
Marquis de Lafayette
Rebellion is the most hallowed of privileges and the most indispensable of obligations.
6.
If the liberties of the American people are ever destroyed, they will fall by the hands of the clergy.
Marquis de Lafayette
7.
In my idea General Washington is the greatest man; for I look upon him as the most virtuous.
Marquis de Lafayette
8.
All that you are, all that I owe to you, justifies my love.
Marquis de Lafayette
9.
True republicanism is the sovereignty of the people. There are natural and imprescriptible rights which an entire nation has no right to violate.
Marquis de Lafayette
10.
Ambition, as that passion is generally understood,- a strong desire to rise above others, to occupy the first place, - formed no part of Lafayette's character. In him the passion was nothing more than a constant and irresistible wish to do good.
Marquis de Lafayette
11.
I read, I study, I examine, I listen, I reflect, and out of all of this I try to form an idea into which I put as much common sense as I can. I shall not speak much for fear of saying foolish things; I will risk still less for fear of doing them, for I am not disposed to abuse the confidence which they have deigned to show me. Such is the conduct which until now I have followed and will follow.
Marquis de Lafayette
12.
Humanity has gained its suit; Liberty will nevermore be without an asylum.
Marquis de Lafayette
13.
In the American colonies, the main problem of liberty has been solved, demonstrated and practiced in such a manner as not to leave much to be said by European institutions.
Marquis de Lafayette
14.
Till the hour when the trump of the Archangel shall sound to announce that Time shall be no more, the name of Lafayette shall stand enrolled upon the annals of our race, high on the list of the pure and disinterested benefactors of mankind.
Marquis de Lafayette
15.
If you were lost for America, there is nobody who could keep the army and the revolution [going] for six months.
Marquis de Lafayette