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About this quote

What does it mean?
Disagreeing with the government is a vital way to serve and improve one's country.
In plain terms
Speaking out against the government is truly patriotic.
What can you take from it?
Speak up against wrongs to help your country.

Where it applies

  • protests
  • political debate
  • civic engagement

Putting it to work

  • voice opposition
  • critique policy
  • engage civically

Questions to consider

  • Is dissent always patriotic?
  • When does criticism hurt the nation?

Another view

Some view dissent as disloyal during times of national crisis.

More from Thomas Jefferson

  1. Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God.

    Permalink to quote #212
  2. Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have ... The course of history shows that as a government grows, liber…

    Permalink to quote #214
  3. A society that will trade a little liberty for a little order will lose both, and deserve neither.

    Permalink to quote #211

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