I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging of the future but by the past. - Patrick Henry
""
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging of the future but by the past.
Disputed attribution. This quote's attribution is contested.
Patrick Henry (29 May 1736 – 6 June 1799) was an American attorney, planter and politician who became known as an orator during the movement for independence in Virginia in the 1770s. A U.S. Founding Father, he served as the first and sixth post-colonial Governor of Virginia, from 1776 to 1779 and from 1784 to 1786. Henry led the opposition to the Stamp Act 1765 and is remembered for the "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech attributed to him. Along with Samuel Adams and Thomas Paine, he is regarded as one of the most influential champions of Republicanism and an invested promoter of the American Revolution and its fight for independence.
Biography information from
Wikiquote·
Portrait adapted from
Wikimedia Commons, George Bagby Matthews (1857 - 1943), after Thomas Sully (1783-1872) (Public domain / CC0)
Portrait from Wikimedia Commons. Credit: George Bagby Matthews (1857 - 1943), after Thomas Sully (1783-1872). Used under Public domain / CC0. Processed and styled by Quotewise.
Enhance Your Quote Experience
Enjoy ad-free browsing, unlimited collections, and advanced search features with Premium.
I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past.
It is vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, peace! But there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!
Try QuoteGPT
Chat naturally about what you need. Each answer links back to real quotes with citations.
Beside, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone.
