Definitions: (1) the power to do as one pleases; the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges; the power of choice; (2) freedom from restraint <The body is at liberty when not confined or when no physical force operates to restrain its action or volition.>; (3) freedom from arbitrary or despotic control <The will or mind is at liberty when not coerced or checked.>
Derivation: Latin, “free”
Saying: To enjoy privilege without abuse, to have liberty without license, to possess power and steadfastly refuse to use it for self-aggrandizement – these are the marks of high civilization. (48:7.8) — The Urantia Book {1955}
Quotes:
• Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people. — John Adams (1735-1826) 2nd President of the United States
• Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power. — James Madison (1751–1836) 4th President of the United States
• The only sure bulwark of continuing liberty is a government strong enough to protect the interests of the people, and a people strong enough and well enough informed to maintain its sovereign control over the government. — Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) 32nd President of the United States
• Concentrated power has always been the enemy of liberty. — Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911-2004) 40th President of the United States
Comment: Enduring liberty is based on intelligent, mature, fraternal, and equal justice.
Symbol: footwear [since slaves walked barefoot]