In "Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution," Simon Schama presents a poignant quote from a young student addressing his father. The student justifies his choice to volunteer for the revolutionary cause by asserting that true liberty is founded on the sacrifices made by individuals, equating those sacrifices to a "mattress of cadavers." He expresses his willingness to become one of those sacrifices, highlighting the gravity of commitment to the principles of freedom. This quote reflects the intense fervor and resolve of many who supported the French Revolution, indicating that the struggle for freedom was seen as worth the ultimate sacrifice. The young man's declaration serves as a profound reminder of the lengths individuals were willing to go to ensure liberty for future generations, illustrating the high stakes of the revolutionary ideals that were sweeping through France at that time.

In "Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution," Simon Schama presents a poignant quote from a young student addressing his father. The student justifies his choice to volunteer for the revolutionary cause by asserting that true liberty is founded on the sacrifices made by individuals, equating those sacrifices to a "mattress of cadavers." He expresses his willingness to become one of those sacrifices, highlighting the gravity of commitment to the principles of freedom.

This quote reflects the intense fervor and resolve of many who supported the French Revolution, indicating that the struggle for freedom was seen as worth the ultimate sacrifice. The young man's declaration serves as a profound reminder of the lengths individuals were willing to go to ensure liberty for future generations, illustrating the high stakes of the revolutionary ideals that were sweeping through France at that time.