William Pitt the Younger Quote

Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.


Speech in the House of Commons (18 November, 1783). Compare: "And with necessity, / The tyrant's plea, / excus'd his devilish deeds", John Milton, Paradise Lost, Book iv, line 393.


Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.

Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.

Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.

Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.