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

December 20, 2025
Serious sport has nothing to do with fair play. It is bound up with hatred, jealousy, boastfulness, disregard of all rules and sadistic pleasure in witnessing violence;
December 3, 2025
Healey’s first law of politics: when you are in a hole, stop digging.
November 5, 2025
Anybody that wants the presidency so much that he’ll spend two years organizing and campaigning for it is not to be trusted with the office.
Page 2 of 122