Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty; power is ever stealing from the many to the few
Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty; power is ever stealing from the many to the few
Wendell Phillips, a prominent abolitionist and advocate for social justice in the 19th century, famously said, "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty; power is ever stealing from the many to the few." These words ring true even today, as we continue to grapple with issues of inequality, injustice, and the erosion of civil liberties.Phillips understood that the struggle for liberty is ongoing and requires constant vigilance. He recognized that those in power will always seek to consolidate their control and limit the freedoms of the many for their own benefit. This is a timeless truth that remains relevant in our modern society, where we see the wealthy and powerful exerting their influence to maintain their status and privilege at the expense of the marginalized and disenfranchised.
In today's world, we see power being wielded in various forms – from political leaders enacting policies that benefit the wealthy elite to corporations exploiting workers and the environment for profit. The gap between the haves and have-nots continues to widen, as the few amass more wealth and influence while the many struggle to make ends meet.
Phillips' words serve as a reminder that we cannot afford to be complacent in the face of injustice and oppression. We must remain vigilant and actively resist any attempts to erode our freedoms and rights. This requires us to stay informed, engaged, and willing to speak out against abuses of power and violations of human rights.
The fight for liberty is not easy, and it requires courage, determination, and solidarity. We must stand together to challenge systems of oppression and work towards a more just and equitable society. As Phillips understood, power will always seek to concentrate in the hands of the few, but it is up to us to ensure that the rights and freedoms of all are protected and upheld.