People use the New Hampshire motto, Live Free or Die, in all sorts of ways, and often as a justification for a particular behavior. What does it really mean?
Live Free of Die does not mean one can break the law at will, and live his life as an idiot as long as he does not hurt anybody. Live free means I am free to live a responsible life as a good citizen, as part of the civil society, apart from the unjust interference from government.
This is how someone with a handle, Catalina, put it on Yahoo Answers. I like it.
"Live Free or Die"... the New Hampshire State motto. There are those who take this very seriously and others who have no idea what it really means. Live Free, what does that mean to you? Does it mean that you have the freedom to do as you choose without consequences? Does it mean that you do not need money to live in NH? What does "Live free..." really mean?
I believe that "Live Free" means that we as citizens of this great state have an opportunity to speak our minds and have a voice in the actions of our government, its policies, agencies and statutes. We have this freedom, it is our right; not just a long forgotten part of a motto that has origins all the way back to the conception of our once great nation. Freedom means responsibility, and to live free means to have a greater responsibility to your community, your county, and your state. Each person has the choice to "live free or die" here in New Hampshire. Choose to live and you choose to be a responsible, informed and active citizen in YOUR government and the people YOU have chosen to represent your interests within that government.
"or Die" means simply to leave, to go elsewhere, to allow your citizenship as a New Hampshire resident to dissolve. It does not mean that you have moved away or that you are not proud to live in New Hampshire. It means what it says... or die. Your rights, your freedoms, and your voice die if you do not choose to "Live Free." Remember, with great freedom comes great courage and even greater responsibility.
