Quotes Library

July 4, 2025

A little rebellion now and then is a good thing.

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), American Democratic-Republican politician, president, letter to James Madison, 30 January 1787, Jay p.191

In respect of what current issue would a little rebellion do some good?

It is unfortunate, but understandable that every government of men or women will sooner or later overstep its brief. The threat of rebellion (or just a lot of noisy demonstrations) in response is what keeps governments in line, and if fear of that is not sufficient, there is always the courts. But that depends on the jurisdiction.


More Quotes

March 19, 2025
Simplicity rarely loses to complexity in battles in the public square.
October 7, 2025
00:54
…since the affairs of the world are subject to change and to a thousand and one different accidents
June 10, 2025
The trouble with the Conservative Party is that it has not turned back the clock a single second.
Page 11 of 122