A little revolution now and then is a good thing; the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. (1787)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jefferson argues periodic revolution is necessary to maintain liberty.
- In plain terms
- Revolutions happen to refresh liberty sometimes.
- What can you take from it?
- Liberty requires periodic renewal through action.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is revolution justified?
- How do we maintain liberty without bloodshed?
Another view
Violent revolution has severe human costs.
More from Thomas Jefferson
Truth will do well enough if left to shift for herself ... She has no need of force to procure entrance into the minds of men.
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Permalink to quote #202 War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong; and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses.
Permalink to quote #199
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