"To no human charter am I indebted for my rights"

Gerrit Smith's quote speaks to the concept of natural rights, which are rights that are intrinsic to all people no matter any laws or charters. Smith is asserting that these rights are not granted to him by any human-made document or charter, but rather are inherent to him as a human being. This concept of natural rights is a cornerstone of the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence, which states that all individuals are "endowed by their Creator with specific unalienable Rights". Smith's quote is a tip that these rights are not granted by any government or charter, but are intrinsic to all people. This idea of natural rights is still relevant today, as it serves as a tip that all individuals have particular rights that can not be removed by any federal government or charter.