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.

William Pitt the Younger Quotes

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.