Rebellion: A Duty Against Tyrannical Laws?

When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty is a quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although it has not been found in his writings. The quote has been used on various merchandise, including t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and stickers, often with a patriotic theme. The quote captures some of the ideas that Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence, such as the right to throw off an oppressive government.

Thomas Jefferson's legacy

Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States, serving from 1801 to 1809. He was a powerful advocate for liberty and democracy, and a Founding Father of the United States.

Jefferson is credited with drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776, at the age of 33. He also wrote a bill establishing religious freedom, enacted in 1786. As President, he reduced the national debt by a third, and acquired the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon in 1803.

Jefferson's legacy is complex. He is celebrated for articulating the American national creed and the fundamental principles of self-government. However, he has also been criticised for his hypocrisy in owning slaves while declaring that "all men are created equal". In his defence, Jefferson maintained his moral opposition to slavery and freed five slaves in his will. Nevertheless, he failed to emancipate the majority of his slaves, and his inaction has been interpreted as a "public silence" on the issue.

Jefferson's twilight years were spent defining and defending his legacy. He drafted an autobiography, created political memorandum books, and staunchly defended his authorship of the Declaration of Independence. He also designed his own gravestone, which included the words: "Author of the Declaration of Independence [and] of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom & Father of the University of Virginia."

Jefferson's legacy is also reflected in his impact on the political landscape of his time. His presidency initiated the "Virginia Dynasty", which lasted from 1801 to 1825 and included the presidencies of his loyal supporters James Madison and James Monroe. Jefferson's hostility to a strong central government and his anti-monarchical precepts influenced the emergence of political divisions, including the split between Jacksonian Democrats and Whigs.

The moral complexities of historical figures

The phrase "when tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, one of the United States' Founding Fathers and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. However, this quote is considered a "spurious quotation", as it has not been found in Thomas Jefferson's writings. Nevertheless, the sentiment expressed in this phrase captures some of the ideas that Jefferson articulated in the Declaration of Independence, where he 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..."

On the one hand, Jefferson's progressive attitude towards African slaves was recognised and lauded by Frederick Douglass years after his death. On the other hand, it is crucial to remember that Jefferson's actions caused harm and denied freedom and dignity to hundreds of enslaved people. He chose to prioritise his lifestyle and comfort over the lives and liberty of others.

Jefferson's legacy serves as a reminder that historical figures are often a mix of admirable achievements and reprehensible actions. While we can recognise and build upon the positive aspects of their legacies, it is equally important to acknowledge and learn from their moral failings. By doing so, we can strive to create a more just and equitable future, continuing the work that figures like Jefferson may have begun but did not complete.

The role of power in achieving emancipation

The quote, "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty," is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although it has not been found in his writings. It captures some of the ideas he expressed in the Declaration of Independence, where he 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..."

This quote highlights the role of power in achieving emancipation. Power is a central concept in understanding the dynamics between tyranny and rebellion. When a government or ruling entity abuses its power and infringes on the rights and freedoms of the people, it becomes a form of tyranny. In such cases, rebellion can be seen as a necessary response to resist oppression and restore justice.

Power is often associated with control and authority. In the context of tyranny, power can be misused to impose laws and policies that serve the interests of those in power, rather than the well-being of the people. This misuse of power can lead to injustice, oppression, and the denial of basic rights. When this happens, it becomes the duty of the people to challenge and overthrow such oppressive power structures.

Emancipation, in this context, refers to the act of freeing oneself from the oppressive power of tyranny. It involves a shift in power dynamics, where the people reclaim their agency and assert their right to self-determination. This can be achieved through various means, including non-violent resistance, civil disobedience, or, in some cases, more radical forms of rebellion.

However, it is important to recognize that the use of power in rebellion must be carefully considered. While rebellion may be a duty in the face of tyranny, it should be pursued with a commitment to upholding the rights and freedoms of all. The end goal of emancipation is to create a society where power is distributed equitably and justly, rather than concentrated in the hands of a few.

The relationship between tyranny and law

The phrase "when tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, although this statement has not been found in his writings. A similar phrase, "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty", has also been misattributed to Jefferson. This quote first appeared in print in association with Jefferson in 2006, but it is considered a spurious quotation.

However, the idea expressed in these quotes captures some of the principles that Jefferson articulated in the Declaration of Independence. In particular, the Declaration states that when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is the right and duty of the people to overthrow such a government.

However, when tyranny becomes law, it means that the legal system has been co-opted or corrupted to serve the interests of a tyrannical ruler or government. This can happen gradually, through a series of seemingly minor abuses and usurpations, or it can happen more abruptly, through the enactment of laws that directly contravene the principles of freedom and democracy.

In either case, when tyranny becomes law, it is no longer sufficient for citizens to simply abide by the law, as the law itself has become a tool of oppression. In such situations, rebellion or resistance can become a moral duty for those who wish to uphold the principles of freedom and democracy. This does not necessarily imply violent insurrection, but rather a concerted effort to challenge and overturn unjust laws and restore a just and equitable legal system.

Ultimately, the relationship between tyranny and law is a delicate balance. While law can be a powerful tool for preventing and combating tyranny, it is also subject to manipulation and abuse by those in power. It is therefore incumbent upon the citizens of a democracy to remain vigilant and engaged, ensuring that the law serves its intended purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of all.

The ethics of rebellion

While the quote brings to light an important ethical debate, it is essential to note that the quotation's attribution to Thomas Jefferson is spurious. The first known appearance of this statement in print, attributed to Jefferson, was in 2006. However, it has not been found in his original writings. Nevertheless, the sentiment expressed in this quotation resonates with many and captures some of the ideas that Jefferson conveyed in the Declaration of Independence.

The ethical implications of rebellion are complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, rebellion can be seen as a justifiable response to tyranny and oppression. It can be argued that when a government infringes on the fundamental rights and freedoms of its citizens, it is the duty of those citizens to resist and overthrow such a government. This perspective aligns with the social contract theory, which posits that individuals enter into a contract with the state, agreeing to give up some liberties in exchange for protection and the guarantee of certain rights. When the state violates this contract, individuals have the right to rebel.

However, the ethics of rebellion are not always clear-cut. For instance, one may question whether rebellion is justified if it results in more harm than the oppressive regime it seeks to overthrow. Rebellion can lead to chaos, instability, and even greater loss of life. In such cases, it could be argued that alternative means of resistance, such as non-violent protest or political activism, may be more ethical choices.

Furthermore, the question of who has the right to rebel is also a significant ethical consideration. In many cases, it is the most marginalised and vulnerable members of society who suffer the most under tyrannical rule. However, they may not have the resources or power to effectively rebel. On the other hand, those with privilege and power may have the means to rebel but may not be directly impacted by the oppressive policies in question, raising questions of legitimacy and representation.

Ultimately, the ethics of rebellion depend on a variety of factors, including the nature of the oppressive regime, the potential consequences of rebellion, and the alternatives available for resisting tyranny. While the quote, "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty," provides a compelling argument for resistance, a nuanced approach is necessary to navigate the complex ethical landscape of rebellion.

Frequently asked questions