Going on a vacation in France so I thought I would share some Lafayette quotes while waiting to board.
America quotes:
"The moment I heard of America, I loved her; the moment I knew she was fighting for freedom, I burnt with a desire of bleeding for her; and the moment I shall be able to serve her, at any time, or in any part of the world, will be the happiest of my life."
"Humanity has won its battle. Liberty now has a country."
"The welfare of America is intimately connected with the happiness of all mankind."
“I gave my heart to the Americans and thought of nothing else but raising my banner and adding my colors to theirs.”
“My grand affair appears settled, for America is certain of her independence, humanity has gained her cause, and liberty will never be without a place of refuge.”
“May these happy United States attain that complete splendour and prosperity which will illustrate the blessings of their government, and for ages to come rejoice the departed souls of their founders!”
"May this revolution serve as a lesson to oppressors and as an example to the oppressed!"
Liberty quotes:
"Nature has made men free and equal. The distinctions necessary for social order are only founded on general utility."
"I am astonished but not discouraged by my enormous responsibility. Devoted both from affection and duty to the cause of the people, I shall combat with equal ardor aristocracy, despotism, and faction."
"An irresistible passion that would induce me to believe in innate ideas, and the truth of prophecy, has decided my career. I have always loved liberty with the enthusiasm which actuates the religious man with the passion of a lover, and with the conviction of a geometrician... I viewed oppression of every sort with indignation.
Letter to George Washington on shortcomings and troubles in France:
“Our revolution is getting on as well as it can with a nation that has swallowed up liberty all at once, and is still liable to mistake licentiousness for freedom—the Assembly have more hatred to the ancient system than experience on the proper organization of a new, and constitutional government... there is much room for critics and calumnies... we still are pestered by two parties, the Aristocratic... and the factious which aims at the division of the Empire, and destruction of all authority...”
u/Americanmight1776 — 5 days ago