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Samuel Adams

"[N]either the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt."

"It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds."

"It does not take a majority to prevail ... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brush fires of freedom in the minds of men."

"Nothing is more essential to the establishment of manners in a State than that all persons employed in places of power and trust must be men of unexceptionable characters."

"Religion and good morals are the only solid foundation of public liberty and happiness."

"The public cannot be too curious concerning the characters of public men."

"We have this day restored the Sovereign to whom alone men ought to be obedient."

"While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader."