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

October 25, 2025
Democracy becomes a government of bullies, tempered by editors.
January 30, 2025
When great changes occur in history, when great principles are involved, as a rule the majority are wrong. The minority are right.
March 7, 2025
Men on white horses armed with simple solutions are the answer when people decide they’ve had enough of “politics as usual.”
Page 7 of 123