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

November 7, 2025
Europeans often ask and Americans do not often explain, how it happens that this great office [the presidency]
August 3, 2025
The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly, is to fill the world with fools.
November 28, 2025
Education makes a people easy to lead, but difficult to drive; easy to govern but impossible to enslave.
Page 99 of 122