What does Patrick Henry mean when he writes "Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs..."

Patrick Henry was an American statesman and orator who played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. In the quote you mentioned, "Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs..." Henry is using a rhetorical question to criticize those who would passively accept the actions of the British government without taking any action themselves.

To understand the meaning of this quote, it's important to break it down into its parts. First, "acquire the means of effectual resistance" refers to obtaining the necessary resources, skills, and determination to effectively oppose or resist an oppressive authority. Henry suggests that acquiring these means requires active effort and proactive measures.

On the other hand, the phrase "lying supinely on our backs" means to be passive, idle, or inactive. By juxtaposing the image of lying on one's back with the concept of acquiring the means of resistance, Henry is criticizing those who are complacent and unwilling to take action.

In essence, Patrick Henry's quote is a call to action, urging the colonists to actively resist and oppose the actions of the British government rather than passively accepting them. It serves as a reminder that in order to achieve meaningful change, one must be proactive and assertive instead of passive or indolent.