The phrase, often quoted as "eternal vigilance is the price of freedom," means that LIBERTY is not a permanent right and requires constant, active watchfulness to protect it from threats, both internal and external. While the quote is popularly attributed to Thomas Jefferson, the sentiment can be traced to John Philpot Curran, and similar phrases were used by abolitionist Wendell Phillips and others, such as Andrew Jackson.
👉 Origin: The core idea comes from John Philpot Curran, who said, "The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance".
👉 Popularization: The quote was later adapted and popularized in different forms by figures like Wendell Phillips, who said, "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty," and Thomas Jefferson, who is often misattributed with the phrase.
👉 Meaning: The statement serves as a reminder that freedom is not something to be taken for granted. It requires the public to be continuously on guard against forces that would erode or destroy liberty.
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