José Gervasio Artigas

José Gervasio Artigas (June 19 1764 - September 23 1850) was a national hero of Uruguay and is sometimes called "the father of Uruguayan independence".

Quotes

• I will not sell the rich heritage of Uruguayans at the low price of necessity ("No venderé el rico patrimonio de los orientales al bajo precio de la necesidad")
• My authority comes from you, and it ceases before your sovereign presence ("Mi autoridad emana de vosotros, y ella cesa ante vuestra presencia soberana")
• Mercy for the defeated ("Clemencia para los vencidos")
• Let the Uruguayans be as cultured as they are brave ("Sean los orientales tan ilustrados como valientes")