The quote "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty" is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, but it is actually a paraphrase of a speech given by John Philpot Curran in 1790. The full quote is:

"The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance; which condition if he break, servitude is at once the consequence of his crime and the punishment of his guilt."

Curran was an Irish lawyer and politician who was known for his fiery speeches in support of liberty and justice. His words have been echoed by many other leaders throughout history, including Jefferson, who wrote in a letter to James Madison in 1798:

"The price of liberty is eternal vigilance."

The quote is a reminder that liberty is not something that can be taken for granted. It must be constantly defended and protected. This is especially true in times of crisis, when those who would seek to suppress liberty are often at their most powerful.

The quote is also a reminder that liberty is not just a gift from God. It is something that must be earned through the hard work and sacrifice of those who are willing to fight for it.

The quote is as relevant today as it was when it was first spoken. We live in a time when liberty is under threat from many different quarters. We must be vigilant in our defense of liberty, or we risk losing it altogether.