Some moments in history are so bold, so audacious, so game-changing, that they don’t just make an impact—they spark revolutions. Patrick Henry’s legendary speech on March 23, 1775, was one of those moments. His now-famous words—“Give me liberty or give me death”—weren’t just rhetoric. They were a challenge, a call to action, and the ultimate example of what it means to Go Big when everything is on the line.
But Henry’s speech wasn’t just about inspiring rebellion—it was about persuasion, conviction, and leadership. He stood in St. John’s Church in Richmond, Virginia, in front of some of the most powerful men of his time, many of whom weren’t yet convinced that breaking away from England was the right move. The stakes? Everything. If he failed, the movement might stall. If he succeeded, it would set the colonies on an irreversible path toward war—and ultimately, independence.
Henry went big, and history was never the same.
Big Decisions Require Bold Leadership
Stephen Wilson, Executive Director of the St. John’s Church Foundation, joined Going Big to break down what made this moment so pivotal—not just in history, but in the way we think about leadership today.
Henry wasn’t the most powerful man in the room. He wasn’t the wealthiest, the oldest, or even the most famous. But what he did have was an unshakable belief in his cause and the ability to command attention through his words.
This is something every leader, entrepreneur, and changemaker should take to heart:
Your voice matters. Even if you’re not the most experienced, the loudest, or the best-funded—your conviction is your greatest asset.
Don’t wait for permission. Many in Henry’s time wanted to wait, negotiate, or find a middle ground. Henry saw the moment for what it was—a decision point that would define the future. Waiting wasn’t an option.
Take action before the moment passes. Had he hesitated, the Revolution may have unfolded very differently. Big moments don’t wait.
The Power of Thinking Big and Acting Bigger
Patrick Henry’s decision to Go Big is a lesson for all of us. Whether in business, leadership, or personal ambition, playing it safe rarely leads to transformation.
Stephen Wilson shared that when the 250th anniversary of Henry’s speech was being planned, there was a choice: bring in a small-name speaker or Go Big. The decision? Go Big. The result? Ken Burns, one of the most respected historians and filmmakers of our time, signed on. That single decision elevated the entire celebration, drawing even more attention to Henry’s legacy.
The same principle applies to your career, your business, and your personal mission:
If you’re launching something, aim for impact.
If you’re leading a team, lead with conviction.
If you’re facing a major decision, ask yourself—what would it look like if I went all in?
The Legacy of Going Big
Patrick Henry didn’t just influence his generation—his words still inspire bold thinkers, risk-takers, and revolutionaries today. His speech reminds us that when faced with a defining moment, the best choice isn’t always the safest one—it’s the biggest one.
So, whether you’re deciding on a career move, launching a project, or standing up for something you believe in—Go Big. Succeed big, or fail big, but never settle for playing small.
That’s what it means to Go Big—and that’s the mindset that changes the world. 🚀
