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

April 12, 2025
A riot is at bottom the language of the unheard.
February 26, 2025
[On Winston Churchill] Restless, almost intolerably so, without capacity for sustained and unexcited labour, egotistical,
May 29, 2025
00:43
The whole duty of government is to prevent crime and to preserve contracts.
Page 43 of 123