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About this quote

What does it mean?
Resisting tyranny is presented as a moral duty akin to obeying God, framing rebellion as righteous.
In plain terms
Fighting tyranny is like obeying a higher moral law.
What can you take from it?
Moral obligation demands resistance against oppressive rule.

Where it applies

  • revolutionary contexts
  • civil disobedience
  • ethical decision-making

Putting it to work

  • mobilize against oppression
  • justify resistance morally

Questions to consider

  • When is disobedience justified?
  • Who defines tyranny?

Another view

Defining tyranny can be subjective and contested.

More from Thomas Jefferson

  1. A society that will trade a little liberty for a little order will lose both, and deserve neither.

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  2. Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.

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  3. I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the is…

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