Great quotations: Pitt on freedom and necessity

The quotation: 

Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants and the creed of slaves.

Who said it: William Pitt the younger
Where and when it was said: Speech in the House of Commons (18 November, 1783)

Why it's a great quote: First, it expresses a truth. Second, it uses language precisely. In particular "plea", "argument" and "creed" are exactly correct in their place and would be less correct in other places. Their placement also implies that tyrants don't necessarily believe the statement but are just using it.

About the author: Pitt (1759 - 1806) was the youngest prime minister in the history of  Britain (he became PM for the first time in 1783).