I think this year quotes about democracy are particularly relevant for Independence Day. True, using these quotes at your American 4th of July party may make you seem a little rebellious! This is because speaking about democracy with passion is starting to be a pretty liberal point of view in America. Anyways, stirring up the old political passions is always a good thing and you'll certainly get people thinking with some of these 4th of July quotes: “Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people” - Abe Lincoln said this famous quote. Another great mind, Albert Einstein once said, “Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labor in freedom.” Here are some wise words about freedom from Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher: “The basis of a democratic state is liberty.” And here's another from Jimmy Carter that should be the emblem of our foreign policy, “The best way to enhance freedom in other lands is to demonstrate here that our democratic system is worthy of emulation.” Finally, some more wise words from the 3rd American President, Thomas Jefferson, “The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.”

By using Independence Day quotes at your party, you will send a strong message. Essentially, that of reminding people what you are actually celebrating on the 4th of July. Freedom. Freedom from England, freedom to live in a Democracy instead of a monarchy and in general the evolution of the freedom and rights we have in our country. The French philosopher Camus gives us a sense of what Freedom can mean to each of us personally everyday. Having freedom....”freedom is nothing but a chance to be better.” Another quote about freedom that I really like is, “Only our individual faith in freedom can keep us free,” this quote comes from Dwight Eisenhower, the 34th American president. The great theorist and Economist, John Stuart Mill says, “The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community against his will is to prevent harm to others. And back in the 1880s, famous poet Walt Whitman spoke of his feelings for freedom in America, “I shall use America and democracy as convertible terms.” I wish I could say I felt the same, but a 4th of July party that reminds us why freedom is important and what exactly we are celebrating is always a good place to start.