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

September 26, 2025
It is better to abolish serfdom from above than to wait for it to abolish itself from below.
January 27, 2025
[On hearing Lady Mountbatten’s anti-monarchical views] How easy it seems for a semi-royal millionnairess, who has exhausted all the pleasures of money and position, to turn almost Communist!
May 23, 2025
I hate careless flattery, the kind that exhausts you in your effort to believe it.
Page 115 of 123