Tyranny And Law: A Dangerous Dance

When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty is a quote commonly attributed to Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence and the third president of the United States. However, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation and etymologists have disputed this, stating that there is no evidence that he ever said these words. The sentiment expressed in the quote reflects Jefferson's belief in the value of resistance and rebellion against unjust governance, as seen in his writings.

Thomas Jefferson's views on rebellion

Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, is known for his views on rebellion, particularly in the context of resisting tyranny and upholding liberty. One of his most famous quotes on the subject is "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty," which encapsulates his belief in the right to rebel against oppressive rule.

Jefferson's views on rebellion were shaped by his experiences during the American Revolution and his authorship of the Declaration of Independence. He saw rebellion as a necessary tool for preserving liberty and ensuring that governments remained accountable to the people. In a letter to James Madison in 1787, Jefferson wrote, "I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical." He argued that rebellion prevented the "degeneracy of government" and fostered a "general attention to the public affairs."

Jefferson's support for rebellion, however, was not without qualifications. He recognized that rebellions could be founded on misinformation and ignorance, as he noted in a letter to William Stephens Smith about Shay's Rebellion in Massachusetts: "I say nothing of [the rebellion's] motives. They were founded in ignorance, not wickedness." Jefferson also emphasized the importance of educating and pacifying rebellious groups rather than solely relying on punitive measures: "The remedy [to uprisings] is to set them right as to facts, pardon & pacify them."

Despite his qualifications, Jefferson's words on rebellion have often been interpreted as a justification for violent uprisings and acts of war. His quote about the "tree of liberty" being "refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants" has been particularly controversial. This quote, also from his letter to William Stephens Smith, has been used by various groups to advocate for violent rebellion against governments or ideologies they perceive as oppressive.

In conclusion, Thomas Jefferson's views on rebellion were shaped by his belief in the importance of liberty and government accountability. He saw rebellion as a necessary check on governmental power, but also recognized the potential for rebellion to be misguided or based on misinformation. While Jefferson's words on rebellion continue to resonate with those seeking to challenge established powers, they have also been interpreted and employed in ways that may diverge from his original intent.

The accuracy of the quote's attribution to Thomas Jefferson

The quote "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" has been attributed to Thomas Jefferson in several online sources. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. While Jefferson, who authored the Declaration of Independence, is known to have advocated for rebellion and resistance against oppressive government in his letters, the specific phrase in question has not been found in his writings.

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which is responsible for maintaining his property at Monticello, has dismissed the quote as "spurious," indicating that it is doubtful that Jefferson actually said or wrote those exact words. Additionally, etymologists, including Barry Popik, have stated that there is no evidence attributing the quote to Jefferson.

The first known attribution of the quote to Jefferson was in 2006, although it had been circulating for decades. Etymologist Barry Popik believes that the phrase may have originated with social activists in Australia, as a similar statement was made by a member of Australia's Socialist Alliance in 1993.

It is important to exercise caution when attributing quotes to historical figures, as misattributions are common and can shape public perceptions. In this case, the quote in question aligns with Jefferson's known beliefs about resistance and rebellion, but the lack of direct evidence from his writings or speeches suggests that it should not be definitively attributed to him.

In summary, while the sentiment expressed in the quote may resonate with Jefferson's philosophical leanings, the absence of concrete evidence from reliable sources makes it inaccurate to definitively attribute the specific quote to Thomas Jefferson.

The quote's popularity on Etsy

The quote "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although there is some debate about this. The quote is certainly popular on Etsy, with hundreds of results for associated products. These include t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, decals, digital downloads, and wall art. Many of the products feature the quote alongside an image of Thomas Jefferson, or an American flag. Some also include the year 1776, skulls, or guns.

The products featuring this quote are largely targeted at American patriots, with many items described as "patriotic", and featuring skulls, guns, and the American flag. The quote is also often paired with the word "freedom", and some items include anti-government sentiments.

The popularity of this quote on Etsy, and the nature of the products it is featured on, suggest that it is popular with those who identify as American patriots, and who may have anti-government sentiments. The quote is used to decorate items of clothing, as well as the home, and is often paired with other symbols of American patriotism.

The quote's popularity on Goodreads

The quote "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. However, the quote does not appear in any of his writings or speeches. Despite this, the quote remains popular on Goodreads, with over 113 likes and numerous comments and shares from users. The quote has been tagged by Goodreads users as relating to topics such as injustice, moral responsibility, and philosophy.

The sentiment expressed in the quote, challenging tyranny and advocating for resistance, has been echoed by other notable figures throughout history. For example, John Locke, the English philosopher, wrote in his work "Two Treatises of Government" that "where-ever law ends, tyranny begins". This quote by Locke, which is accurately sourced, has received a single like on Goodreads.

Another similar quote on Goodreads, with two likes, is by James Madison, the fourth president of the United States: "The means of defence agst. foreign danger, have been always the instruments of tyranny at home." This quote highlights the potential for measures taken in the name of defence to be used as tools of oppression within a country.

The popularity of Jefferson's quote on Goodreads, with its high number of likes and shares compared to the quotes by Locke and Madison, may be due to its concise and powerful nature, as well as its resonance with modern-day concerns around tyranny and injustice.

The quote's popularity on Twitter

The quote "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States. However, there is no evidence that he ever said this. In fact, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which maintains his property at Monticello, has dismissed the quote as "spurious".

Despite this, the quote remains popular on Twitter, particularly among those expressing political beliefs. On Thomas Jefferson's 275th birthday, which fell on April 13, 2018, many Twitter users shared the quote, with some liberal users placing special significance on Jefferson's sayings that invoke the word "resistance", a term that has come to represent opposition to former US President Donald Trump.

The quote has also inspired a range of merchandise, including t-shirts, hoodies, stickers, and car decals, which are available for purchase on Amazon. The popularity of the quote on merchandise suggests that it has resonated with people beyond social media and has become a form of self-expression for those who identify with its message.

While the exact origins of the quote remain unclear, it continues to circulate and hold relevance for those who view it as a call to action against perceived injustices or oppressive systems.

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