Phillips was born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 29, 1811. He was one of five children born to a family of abolitionists. Phillips attended Harvard University, where he became involved in the movement to abolish slavery. After graduating from Harvard in 1833, Phillips began practicing law. He quickly became a leader in the abolitionist movement and worked tirelessly to end slavery. In 1841, Phillips delivered a powerful speech entitled The Constitution on Trial that helped solidify his reputation as an eloquent and passionate advocate for abolitionism. Thanks to his tireless work, slavery was abolished in the United States in 1865. Phillips passed away on February 2, 1884 at the age of 72.
Discover the best Liberty, Agitation, World quotes from Wendell Phillips, and much more.
External vigilance is the price of liberty. — Wendell Phillips
Whether in chains or in laurels, liberty knows nothing but victories. — Wendell Phillips
The manna of popular liberty must be gathered each day or it is rotten. — Wendell Phillips
The republic which sinks to sleep, trusting to constitutions and machinery, to politicians and statesmen, for the safety of its liberties, never will have any. — Wendell Phillips
The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance. — Wendell Phillips
Liberty knows nothing but victories. Soldiers call Bunker Hill a defeat; but liberty dates from it though Warren lay dead on the field. — Wendell Phillips
WENDELL PHILLIPS QUOTES ON AGITATION
Agitation is the atmosphere of the brains. — Wendell Phillips
Our agitation, you know, helps keep yours alive in the rank and file. — Wendell Phillips
Agitation prevents rebellion, keeps the peace, and secures progress. Every step she gains is gained forever. Muskets are the weapons of animals. Agitation is the atmosphere of the brains. — Wendell Phillips
The work resembles a breech delivery–one which is expressed in rhythmic lurches, stabs of phrase and vocal ornamentation designed to express agitation rather than decorative grace. — Wendell Phillips
Right is the eternal sun; the world cannot delay its coming. — Wendell Phillips
Every step of progress the world has made has been from scaffold to scaffold, and from stake to stake. — Wendell Phillips
The best education in The world is that got by struggling to get a living. — Wendell Phillips
What the Puritans gave the world was not thought, but action. — Wendell Phillips
Government arrogates to itself that it alone forms men. Everybody knows that government never began anything. It is the whole world that thinks and governs. — Wendell Phillips
The slowest of us cannot but admit that the world moves. — Wendell Phillips
There is nothing stronger than human prejudice. — Wendell Phillips
If there is anything in the universe that can’t stand discussion, let it crack. — Wendell Phillips
How prudently most men creep into nameless graves, while now and then one or two forget themselves into immortality. — Wendell Phillips
Inspiring Phrases From Wendell Phillips
It is but the littleness of man that seeth no greatness in trifles. — Wendell Phillips
The heart is the best reflective thinker. — Wendell Phillips
Popular opinion is oftenest, what Carlyle pronounced it to be, a lie! — Wendell Phillips
What is fanaticism today is the fashionable creed tomorrow, and trite as the multiplication table a week after. — Wendell Phillips
To be as good as our fathers we must be better, imitation is not discipleship. — Wendell Phillips
Politics is but the common pulse–beat, of which revolution is the fever–spasm. — Wendell Phillips
Immoral laws are doubtless void, and should not be obeyed. — Wendell Phillips
Various Statements From Wendell Phillips
Wants awaken intellect. To gratify them disciplines intellect. The keener the want the lustier the growth. — Wendell Phillips
Let me make the newspapers, and I care not what is preached in the pulpit or what is enacted in Congress. — Wendell Phillips
Never forgive at the ballot box! — Wendell Phillips
Redundant Thematics
In Wendell Phillips Statements
liberty
opinion
world
agitation
republic
One on God’s side is a majority. — Wendell Phillips
Seldom ever was any knowledge given to keep, but to impart; the grace of this rich jewel is lost in concealment. — Wendell Phillips
Physical bravery is an animal instinct moral bravery is much higher and truer courage. — Wendell Phillips
Today it is not big business that we have to fear. It is big government. — Wendell Phillips
More Phrases From Wendell Phillips
I will utter what I believe today, if it should contradict all I said yesterday. — Wendell Phillips
Baron Grimm declared that, as a rule, it was easy for little minds to attain splendid positions, because they devoted all their ability to the one object. — Wendell Phillips
Truth is one forever absolute, but opinion is truth filtered through the moods, the blood, the disposition of the spectator. — Wendell Phillips
Law is nothing unless close behind it stands a warm, living public opinion. — Wendell Phillips
We measure genius by quality, not by quantity. — Wendell Phillips
Government is only a necessary evil, like other go–carts and crutches. Our need of it shows exactly how far we are still children. All governing overmuch kills the self–help and energy of the governed. — Wendell Phillips
Peace, if possible, but justice at any rate. — Wendell Phillips
Deeper Quotes From Wendell Phillips
Write on my gravestone: ‘Infidel, Traitor.’, infidel to every church that compromises with wrong; traitor to every government that oppresses the people. — Wendell Phillips
Exigencies create the necessary ability to meet and conquer them. — Wendell Phillips
Hearts are stronger than swords. — Wendell Phillips
Though plunged in ills and exercised in care, Yet never let the noble mind despair. — Wendell Phillips
I think the first duty of society is justice. — Wendell Phillips
Difference of religion breeds more quarrels than Difference of politics. — Wendell Phillips
Let us always remember that he does not really believe his own opinion, who dares not give free scope to his opponent. — Wendell Phillips
WENDELL PHILLIPS Quotes Take Away
Wendell Phillips said, “Equal rights are a matter of justice. If we do not have justice, we will not have equal rights. This is something that rings true for the modern age. We still have a lot of work to do in order to achieve equality, but it is important that we fight for it every day. And what better way to honor Wendell Phillips than by continuing his work and fighting for justice? Check out our courses page and find one that speaks to you. We can help you learn more about how to make change in your community and become an advocate for equality.
