“Freedom is not a natural disposition, but God's precious gift to man. Those in whom viciousness becomes second-nature, those in whom brutality is linked with haughtiness, forfeit their ability and therefore their right to receive that gift. Hardening of the heart is the suspension of freedom.”

—  Abraham Joshua Heschel

Volume 1, p. 191
The Prophets (1962)

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Abraham Joshua Heschel photo
Abraham Joshua Heschel 130
Polish-American Conservative Judaism Rabbi 1907–1972

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This is actually from an essay "On Government No. I" that appeared in Franklin's paper, The Pennsylvania Gazette, on 1 April 1736. The author was John Webbe. He wrote about the privileges enjoyed under British rule,
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