James Otis quotes

Taxation without representation is tyranny. (James Otis)
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. View quote
James Otis
If we are not represented, we are slaves. View quote
James Otis
An act against the Constitution is void; an act against natural equity is void. View quote
James Otis
The colonists are by the law of nature free-born, as indeed all men are, white or black...It is a clear truth, that those who every day barter away other men's liberty will soon care little for their own. View quote
James Otis
Kingcraft and priestcraft have fell out so often, that 'tis a wonder this grand and ancient alliance is not broken off forever. Happy for mankind will it be when such a separation shall take place. View quote
James Otis
Let the consequences be what they will, I am determined to proceed. View quote
James Otis
A man's house is his castle. View quote
James Otis
Taxes are not to be laid on the people but by their consent in person or by deputation. View quote
James Otis
If life, liberty, and property could be enjoyed in as great perfection in solitude as in society, there would be no need of government. View quote
James Otis
ALL PRECEDENTS ARE UNDER THE CONTROUL OF THE PRINCIPLES OF THE LAW ... No Acts of Parliament can establish such a writ [writ of assistance enabling British search of homes for no reason]: ... it would be void, "AN ACT AGAINST THE CONSTITUTION IS VOID." Vid. Viner. But ... special writs may be granted on oath and probable suspicion. (James Otis)
The end of the government being the good of mankind points out its great duties: it is above all things to provide for the security, the quiet, the happy enjoyment of life, liberty, and property. View quote
James Otis
These manly sentiments, in private life, make the good citizen; in public life, the patriot and the hero. View quote
James Otis
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. View quote
James Otis
A man is accountable to no person for his doings. View quote
James Otis
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. View quote
James Otis
I pray God I may never be brought to the melancholy trial, but if ever I should, it will be then known how far I can reduce to practice, principles, which I know to be founded in truth. View quote
James Otis
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. View quote
James Otis
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. View quote
James Otis
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. View quote
James Otis
I do not say that, when brought to the test, I shall be invincible. (James Otis)
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. View quote
James Otis
Now, one of the most essential branches of English liberty is the freedom of one's house. View quote
James Otis
We are bold and vigorous, - and we call no man master. View quote
James Otis
But the right to take ten pounds, implies the right to take a thousand; and what must be the wealth, that avarice, aided by power, cannot exhaust? View quote
James Otis