198 Quotes by William Godwin

The real or supposed rights of man are of two kinds, active and passive; the right in certain cases to do as we list; and the right we possess to the forbearance or assistance of other men. The first of these a just philosophy will probably induce us universally to explode.

It is probable that there is no one thing that it is of eminent importance for a child to learn. The true object of juvenile education, is to provide, against the age of five and twenty, a mind well regulated, active, and prepared to learn. Whatever will inspire habits of industry and observation, will sufficiently answer this purpose.

He has no right to his life when his duty calls him to resign it. Other men are bound ... to deprive him of life or liberty, if that should appear in any case to be indispensably necessary to prevent a greater evil.

What indeed is life, unless so far as it is enjoyed? It does not merit the name.

There must be room for the imagination to exercise its powers; we must conceive and apprehend a thousand things which we do not actually witness.

God himself has no right to be a tyrant.

In cases where every thing is understood, and measured, and reduced to rule, love is out of the question.

There is reverence that we owe to everything in human shape.

They held it their duty to live but for their country.