Quotes by famous people, credited to who said them. Your own quotes must not match any of these. More are added all the time. 1,161,747 quotes Who coined it · How we decide
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Freedom
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“Support freedom of speech in the UK!”
Elon Musk (born 1971) first seen 2024 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Post on X (9 August 2024), quoted in "UK considers forcing tech firms to remove 'legal but harmful' content after riots", Financial Times (9 August 2024)
“The freedom that women were supposed to have found in the Sixties largely boiled down to easy contraception and abortion; things to make life easier for men, in fact.”
Julie Burchill (born 1959) first seen 1986 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Damaged Gods (1986).
“To confess to freedom, the highest habit;”
Aldo Capitini (1899–1968) said by 1968 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Nonviolence is opening to the existence, freedom and development of every being”
Aldo Capitini (1899–1968) said by 1968 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Citizens must feel that their obedience or disobedience is not a private but a public fact in the interest of everyone and that it must be made widely known. The freedom of association and expression is the first duty/right of every citizen, because it is the way to learn and to teach.”
Aldo Capitini (1899–1968) said by 1968 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Generally speaking, America is not keen on independent countries. America is not keen on people's freedom. America is keen on countries that completely surrender themselves and act according to America's demands.”
Hassan Rouhani (born 1948) first seen 2002 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Exclusive Interview with Iranian Adviser", ABC News, (September 12, 2002)
“Mayor Helen Zille has shrugged off the news that her portrait has been painted by an 'artist' who uses his penis as a brush, saying it is his constitutional right to exercise his freedom of expression 'in this unusual way'.”
“Taipei has a responsibility to share its 60-year experience of democratization and economic development with Beijing. We also have a responsibility to make freedom, democracy, human rights and rule of law the core values for promoting cross-strait ties.”
Lin Chu-chia (born 1956) first seen 2012 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Lin Chu-chia (2012) cited in "MAC sees Beijing reforms as key to cross-strait ties" on Taiwan Today, 13 November 2012.
“A state, in order to be truly Islamic, must arrange the affairs of the community in such a way that every individual, man and woman, shall enjoy that minimum of material well-being without which there can be no human dignity, no real freedom and, in the last resort, no spiritual progress.”
Muhammad Asad (1900–1992) said by 1992 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Perhaps it is fortunate that most heroes who die for their people cannot come back to see what the people do with that hard-bought life and freedom.”
Tad Williams (born 1957) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“While our brothers in Kenya, Nyasa-land, Rhodesia, South Africa and Angola are still fighting for their freedom, look at the wonderful future that smiles at us.”
Patrice Lumumba (1925–1961) first seen 1690 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The new leaders of Africa Rolf Italiaander, Englewood Cliffs, N.J., Prentice-Hall 1690, p 155. Patrice Lumumba at the round table conference in Brussels.
“Some differences may never be completely eradicated – not, at any rate, without draconian interventions that limit people’s freedom and potentially make them miserable. Such interventions may be modern-day equivalents of earlier efforts to force gay people to be straight or left-handers to use their right hands: a progressive form of conversion therapy.”
Steve Stewart-Williams (born 1971) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Under slavery, power lay in the hands of the slavemasters: under colonialism, power lay in the hands of the colonialists. The loss of power for the various African states meant a reduction in the freedom of every individual.”
Walter Rodney (1942–1980) said by 1980 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The forces fomenting antisemitism are the forces arrayed against oppressed people around the world, including Palestinians; the struggle against antisemitism is also the struggle for Palestinian freedom. I stand in solidarity with my friends in Israel, in Palestine, and around the world who are trying to resolve conflict, diminish hatred, and promote dialogue, cooperation, and understanding.”
Bernie Sanders (born 1941) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We understand America’s concerns about terrorism...We have no objection to agreements that protect your security interests. We only ask that you respect international standards on human rights and the Yemeni people’s rights to freedom and justice.”
Tawakkol Karman (born 1979) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Since the start of this revolution, we were able to get rid of a lot of the issues and the problems that this regime created. ... We have the dream, and we have the ability. And we started to achieve a lot of our goals. And we will not stop here. We will build our country. And we’re not only talking about Yemen here. I’m talking about every nation or every people that are looking toward freedom.”
Tawakkol Karman (born 1979) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Students’ role doesn’t end in the classroom. Student-led movements have always been a part in changing history and fulfilling peoples’ dreams of achieving freedom and dignity [interview after her speech]”
Tawakkol Karman (born 1979) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Morsy was not only Egypt's democratically elected president, he is now emerging as the Arab world's Nelson Mandela...during Morsy's one-year reign, Egypt enjoyed freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate peacefully, and not a single one of his political opponents were jailed.”
Tawakkol Karman (born 1979) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“All the ousted regimes, as well as the oppressive regimes that have hung on during the Arab Spring, have now blessed Egypt's coup...a blossoming democracy in Cairo can easily spread throughout the Arab world...Those who support freedom and democracy in the Middle East, however, should resist the new tyranny in Cairo with all their might.”
Tawakkol Karman (born 1979) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Tell me how a society that is open like ours, that is democratic like ours, can survive when enemies of freedom, enemies of democracy are destroying society by using the very freedoms we have in place because of the U.S. Constitution?”
Michael Savage (born 1942) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: As quoted in "Subversives' confronting President-elect Trump", WND (November 13, 2016)
“There comes a time in the life of every nation when it stands at the cross-roads of history and must choose which way to go. But for us there need be no difficulty or hesitation, no looking to right or left. Our way is straight and clear—the building up of a socialist democracy at home with freedom and prosperity for all, and the maintenance of world peace and friendship with all nations.”
Lal Bahadur Shastri (1904–1966) first seen 1964 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: First broadcast as Prime Minister, on 11 June 1964
“The preservation of freedom, is not the task of soldiers alone. The whole nation has to be strong. We all have to work in our respective spheres with the same dedication, the same zeal and the same determination which inspired and motivated the warrior on the battle front. And this has to be shown not by mere words, but by actual deeds.”
Lal Bahadur Shastri (1904–1966) said by 1966 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The world as a whole is full of problems and difficulties and it is most important that every country which loves its Freedom and wants to maintain its Independence and sovereignty should work for peace and try to see that there is disarmament in the world which alone will lead to real peace.”
Lal Bahadur Shastri (1904–1966) said by 1966 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Criticism is constructive not tattling. Freedom of the press, is not anybody writing anything about anybody. One must write while respecting the facts, even when they are less exciting than the fantasy of those who chose to criticize just to criticize.”
Mohammed VI of Morocco (born 1963) first seen 2001 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Interview with Le Figaro–September 2001
“If civilization is to be bound up with material advancement, we must accept its inevitable consequence, loss of freedom in enact proportion to the forward march.”
C. Rajagopalachari (1878–1972) first seen 1960 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Chakravarti Rajagopalachari (1960) The voice of the uninvolved: speeches and statements on atomic warfare and test explosions. p. 167
“Freedom is my birthright. I must have it.”
Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856–1920) said by 1920 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Progress is implied in independence. Without self-government neither industrial progress is possible, nor the educational scheme will be useful to the nation…To make efforts for India’s freedom is more important than social reforms.”
Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856–1920) said by 1920 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“We are nations forged from many traditions and faiths, proving year after year that diversity is our strength. From vastly different origins and experiences, we have come to the same conclusions: that freedom and democracy are the strongest bases for both peace and prosperity, and that they are universal aspirations, constrained neither by culture nor levels of economic development.”
Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924–2018) first seen 2000 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: New York September 7, 2000 Asia Society Annual Dinner
“Sahebji, I am sorry I have been misunderstood. Forgive me for what I am being forced to say. The reference to freedom of speech was made by me in a specific context. It was not at all my intention to uphold the British usurpation of my country. Make no mistake. I consider the British Raj to be a curse. I stand for svarãjya [self-rule].”
Dayanand Saraswati (1824–1883) first seen 1824 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Maharshi Dayananda Saraswati (1824-1883) to the Viceroy of India. cited in Sita Ram Goel: Muslim Separatism - Causes and Consequences. (1983) ISBN 9788185990262
“I believe as a society we have to evolve, through experimentation, a system which combines the principles of individual freedom and common ownership. And this is what we have tried, basically with success, in all our projects, involving leprosy patients, tribal people and the so-called 'disabled' persons.”
Baba Amte (1914–2008) said by 2008 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The performance of Reliance shows an amazing trend when mapped against time. The inflection point was 1991. We grew exponentially, eventually becoming India’s biggest private enterprise, on the basis of freedom to compete against the best in the world.”
Mukesh Ambani (born 1957) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I grew up in the time around India’s independence, in the aura of a country fighting for its freedom. It was a heady and idealistic time, and we were all infected with a spirit of optimism, and the spirit of Gandhiji.”
Ela Bhatt (1933–2022) said by 2022 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“[SEWA] have been doing many different things, leading the SEWA movement which is about economic freedom for the poor, women, and self employed.”
Ela Bhatt (1933–2022) said by 2022 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“This argument is not about sexual practices or particular lifestyles. It hinges on whether gay and lesbian Americans are entitled to the same enjoyment as their fellow citizens of the freedom to make choices about how to live their lives without suffering discrimination in consequence.”
Michael Nava (born 1954) wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“I risked my life. I came back and wore the ribbons and medals that my commanding officer told me to wear. And now you have the audacity to challenge me after serving this country? You sleep under a blanket of freedom that I helped provide. You should just say thank you.”
Michael Grimm (born 1970) first seen 2010 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: To Michael Allegretti, Inside City Hall, NY1, (3 September 2010).
“Not to do what you feel like doing is Freedom.”
Chinmayananda Saraswati (1916–1993) said by 1993 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“`Surrender inspite of Freedom' is the way of wisemen.”
Chinmayananda Saraswati (1916–1993) said by 1993 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“To give love is true freedom; To demand love is pure slavery.”
Chinmayananda Saraswati (1916–1993) said by 1993 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“Our own vitality as well as that of others frightens us, if it still manages to surface, we respond with rage and turn against our own freedom. It is vitality itself that we are opposing.”
Arno Gruen (1923–2015) first seen 1986 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: The Betrayal of the Self - The Fear of Autonomy in Men and Women (1986)
“Faith is that which dispels desire, Devotion is that which generates knowledge. And Vedas say that knowledge is that which fashions freedom.”
Tulsidas (1511–1623) said by 1623 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“India demands Home Rule for two reasons, one essential and vital, the other less important but necessary: Firstly, because Freedom is the birthright of every Nation; secondly, because her most important interests are now made subservient to the interests of the British Empire without her consent, and her resources are not utilised for her greatest needs.”
Annie Besant (1847–1933) said by 1933 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“My own life in India, since I came to it in 1893 to make it my home, has been devoted to one purpose, to give back to India her ancient freedom.”
Annie Besant (1847–1933) said by 1933 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“At Aqaba we were received in the most hospitable manner of the Arabs. We were put up in the police station there. The prisoners, oddly enough, were walking about enjoying apparent freedom. They were used as waiters and servants instead of being shut up in cells. ...I could detect no trace of bullying of even of discourtesy to the prisoners.”
Cyrus H. Gordon (1908–2001) said by 2001 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
“The iPhone vision of the mobile Internet's future omits controversy, sex, and freedom, but includes strict limits on who can know what and who can say what. It's a sterile Disney-fied walled garden surrounded by sharp-toothed lawyers. The people who create the apps serve at the landlord's pleasure and fear his anger.”
Tim Bray (born 1955) first seen 2010 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: New Android teammate: iPhone a "Disney-fied walled garden" in Electronista (15 March 2010)
“It is important that the freedom we have attained after a hundred years of struggle should be felt and enjoyed by the millions. Let us therefore model our Swarajya after the conception of Rishis. Let us aspire to achieve the Rama Rajya of Gandhiji’s dreams.”
Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar (1919–1974) first seen 1958 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Known for his erudite scholarship in Indian philosophy and Dharma, he gave a talk on the Radio on the occasion of the ninth year of the Republic in 1958. Quoted in "Jaya Chamaraja Wodeyar".
“He was not merely the organizer and architect of our freedom, he ennobled our very being. As the apostle not only of truth and ahimsa but also of purity and public conduct he raised us, and indeed the whole of mankind, to a higher level of social and political life.”
Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar (1919–1974) first seen 1959 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: In his homage of reverence, love and thankfulness in memory of Mahatma Gandhi, at an Independence Day lecture in 1959 as Governor. Quoted in "Jayachamaraja Wodeyar – A Princely scholar".
“If farmers become weak the country loses self-reliance but if they are strong, freedom also becomes strong. If we do not maintain our progress in agriculture, poverty cannot be eliminated from India. But our biggest poverty alleviation programme is to improve the of our farmers. The thrust of our poverty alleviation programmes is on the uplift of the farmers.”
Rajiv Gandhi (1944–1991) first seen 1988 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Inagural Speech at the 25th National Convention of the Bharat Krishak Samaj, Hyderabad, 15 February 1988. Transcript at . Quoted in
“I'd stop the building of mosques in this country until Islam reforms in such a way and works in this country with Western democracy and freedom.”
Tommy Robinson (born 1982) first seen 2013 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: English Defence League leader condemns attacks on Muslims" BBC News (11 June 2013)
“In a culture, you can choose fear or love. It’s been my experience and my observation that humans on this planet feel more comfortable with fear rather than love and openness... I do know what history tells us about humans. And humans, they actually don’t feel very comfortable with openness and freedom.”
RuPaul (born 1960) first seen 2016 wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source
Recorded in: Quoted by Doug Rule in RuPaul: Ultimate Queen (2016)
“There is struggling inside, the people, but they are really happy. And I’m not worried about what I am seeing in the street, protesting, many demonstrations—they are trying, and they want to make sure there is freedom.”
Salwa Bughaighis (1963–2014) said by 2014 at the latest wikiquote, CC BY-SA 4.0 source