Resisting Injustice: Brecht's Call To Action

The quote When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty is commonly misattributed to Thomas Jefferson. While there is no evidence that Jefferson ever said or wrote this exact phrase, it captures some of the ideas he expressed in the Declaration of Independence. The sentiment of this quote aligns with Jefferson's belief in the spirit of resistance against the government, as conveyed in some of his letters. The first known attribution of this quote to Jefferson was in 2006, although it has been in circulation for decades and is believed to have been popularized by social activists in Australia.

The quote is often misattributed to Thomas Jefferson

The quote, "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty," is often misattributed to Thomas Jefferson. In fact, there is no evidence that Jefferson ever said these words, and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation has deemed the quote "spurious." The first known attribution to Jefferson was in 2006, although the saying has been in circulation for decades.

Etymologist Barry Popik believes the phrase was actually popularized by social activists in Australia. In 1993, a member of Australia's Socialist Alliance was quoted as saying: "The High Court of Australia's decision to keep refugee children imprisoned in detention centres makes it crystal clear that injustice has become law in this country. And when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty."

While Jefferson never expressed these exact words, the sentiment does capture some of the ideas that he expressed in the Declaration of Independence. For example, in the Declaration, Jefferson wrote: "...when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government..."

Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence, did believe in rebellion, and some of his letters convey that sentiment. "I like a little rebellion now and then," he wrote in 1787. "It is like a storm in the atmosphere."

It captures ideas Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence

The phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is often misattributed to the German playwright Bertolt Brecht. However, as your search results show, the phrase seems to be a modern adaptation of ideas expressed by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, proclaimed the colonies' secession from Great Britain and explained the reasons for this momentous decision. At its core, the document espouses certain fundamental principles, including the notion that legitimate political authority derives from the consent of the governed. This idea, known as popular sovereignty, stands in stark opposition to the notion of the divine right of kings, which held that a monarch's power was granted by God and thus could not be challenged.

In the Declaration, Jefferson wrote, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." By asserting these rights, Jefferson was laying the philosophical groundwork for justifying the colonies' resistance to British rule. He argued that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed and that their primary purpose is to secure these natural rights.

Furthermore, Jefferson continued, "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, - That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." Here, Jefferson explicitly articulated the right of the people to resist and overthrow a government that fails to protect their natural rights.

The phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" encapsulates Jefferson's sentiment. It conveys that when a government enacts laws or takes actions that violate the fundamental rights of its citizens, it is not only the right but also the duty of the people to resist and oppose such injustice. This idea was revolutionary at the time, as it challenged the long-standing tradition of unquestioning obedience to authority.

In conclusion, while the phrase may be a modern interpretation, it accurately reflects the core principles expressed by Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence. These ideas of popular sovereignty, natural rights, and the right to resist oppressive government have had a profound impact on political thought and continue to shape democratic ideals worldwide.

The first known attribution to Jefferson was in 2006

The quote, "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty", has often been attributed to Thomas Jefferson, especially on social media platforms like Twitter. However, there is no evidence that Jefferson ever said or wrote this phrase. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which maintains his property at Monticello, has stated that the quote is "spurious", and it cannot be found in any of Jefferson's writings. Despite this, the quote has been shared by both conservatives and liberals, with the latter emphasising the word "resistance" in opposition to former President Donald Trump.

The first known attribution of the quote to Jefferson was in 2006, although the exact phrase has been in circulation for much longer. According to etymologist Barry Popik, the saying was popularised by social activists in Australia. In 1993, a member of Australia's Socialist Alliance is recorded as saying:

> "The High Court of Australia’s decision to keep refugee children imprisoned in detention centres makes it crystal clear that injustice has become law in this country. And when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty."

While Jefferson never used the exact words in the quote, some of his other writings express similar ideas. In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson wrote:

> "...when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government..."

Additionally, in a letter from 1787, Jefferson expressed his belief in the value of resistance to the government, stating:

> "I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere."

The phrase was likely popularised by Australian social activists

The phrase "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is often misattributed to the famed German playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht. While Brecht's work often explored themes of social justice and political commentary, there is little evidence to suggest that he coined this particular phrase. Instead, it seems that the phrase's popularity, especially in Australia, is likely due to Australian social activists who have embraced and propagated it.

Australia has a robust history of social activism, with many individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing issues of inequality, injustice, and social change. It is within this landscape that the phrase likely gained traction and became a rallying cry for activists. Australian activists have a strong tradition of utilizing powerful and memorable slogans and phrases to convey their messages and rally support for their causes.

One of the key reasons the phrase resonates so strongly with Australian activists is the nation's complex history of injustice and resistance. Australia's colonial past and the ongoing legacy of oppression and dispossession of Indigenous Australians have fueled a strong sense of activism and a commitment to social justice. The phrase, therefore, speaks to a broader context of resistance and a desire to challenge systemic injustices.

Additionally, the phrase's emphasis on duty resonates with the Australian sense of fairness and egalitarianism. By framing resistance as a duty, activists emphasize the responsibility of citizens to stand against injustice and create a more equitable society. This aligns with core Australian values and makes the phrase a powerful tool for mobilizing people from diverse backgrounds to unite against common injustices.

It is through protests, demonstrations, and online campaigns that Australian activists have popularized the phrase. It has been featured on placards, t-shirts, and social media posts, often accompanied by powerful images and personal testimonies. By incorporating the phrase into their messaging, activists reinforce the idea that resistance is not just an option but a moral obligation in the face of injustice.

While the exact origins of the phrase may remain uncertain, its impact on Australian social activism is undeniable. Through their adoption and dissemination, Australian activists have ensured that the phrase continues to inspire and motivate those seeking to challenge injustice and bring about positive social change. In this sense, the phrase has become a powerful tool in the arsenal of Australian activists, reflecting their commitment to justice and their belief in the duty to resist.

It has been used by both conservatives and liberals

The quote, "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty," has been widely attributed to the German playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht. This powerful statement has resonated with people across the political spectrum, and it has been employed by both conservatives and liberals to justify their respective struggles against perceived injustices.

On the conservative side, this phrase has been invoked in opposition to what they see as an overreaching government and an erosion of traditional values. For instance, during the rise of social justice movements and the expansion of government programs, some conservatives may feel that their beliefs and freedoms are being threatened. In such cases, they might use Brecht's quote to encourage resistance against what they perceive as an unjust imposition of liberal ideals and a departure from longstanding social norms.

Liberals, on the other hand, have also embraced this quote as a rallying cry when fighting against conservative policies and ideologies that they view as oppressive or discriminatory. For example, when confronted with issues like restrictive abortion laws, cuts to social welfare programs, or the rollback of civil rights protections, liberals may interpret Brecht's words as a call to action. In their perspective, resisting these conservative-led initiatives becomes a moral obligation to protect the rights and well-being of marginalized communities.

Brecht's statement taps into a fundamental aspect of human nature: the desire for fairness and the willingness to stand against perceived oppression, regardless of political affiliation. Both conservatives and liberals can identify with the sentiment that there are times when the status quo is unacceptable, and it is their duty to challenge and transform it. This shared recognition underscores the complexity of political ideologies and the fact that, at their core, both sides strive for a society that aligns with their values and beliefs.

Ultimately, the phrase "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" serves as a reminder that the fight for justice is not limited to a single political ideology. It transcends the traditional conservative-liberal divide, finding resonance with anyone who feels that their values and freedoms are under threat. This quote encapsulates the passion and conviction that drive people to action, regardless of their political leanings.

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