Jefferson's Warning: Tyranny, Law, And Liberty

Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, is often misquoted as saying, When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty. While this exact phrase has not been found in his writings, it captures the spirit of his advocacy for the right to rebel against oppressive government, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence. The sentiment has been echoed by modern activists and continues to inspire those resisting injustice.

Thomas Jefferson's views on rebellion

Thomas Jefferson is often attributed as the author of the phrase, "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty". However, there is no evidence that he ever said or wrote this exact statement. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which maintains his property at Monticello, could not find the saying anywhere in Jefferson's writings, and the Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia refers to the quotation as "spurious".

The first known attribution to Jefferson was in 2006, although the saying has been in circulation for decades. It is believed that the phrase was actually popularized by social activists in Australia. Despite this, the quotation does capture some of the ideas that Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence. For example, 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 did believe in rebellion, and some of his letters convey that sentiment. In 1787, he wrote:

> "The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive. It will often be exercised when wrong, but better so than not to be exercised at all. I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere."

The Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, is often remembered for his powerful statements and beliefs surrounding freedom, justice, and resistance to tyranny. While the specific quote "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" has been attributed to him, there is no evidence to support this direct statement in his writings.

However, the sentiment expressed in this quote aligns with Jefferson's ideas on governance and liberty, as outlined in the Declaration of Independence. In this seminal document, Jefferson articulates a vision for a just and free society, where individuals are endowed with certain unalienable rights, including "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

One of the key principles of the Declaration of Independence is the recognition that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. Jefferson and his fellow signatories believed that when a government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right and duty of the people to alter or abolish it and institute a new one. This notion is captured in the following excerpt:

> "...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, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

Jefferson's words reflect a deep-seated belief in the inherent rights of individuals and the responsibility to resist and overthrow oppressive rule. This philosophy has had a profound impact on the American political consciousness and continues to inspire movements for freedom and democracy worldwide.

While the exact quote in question may not be found in Jefferson's writings, his ideas on tyranny, law, and rebellion are encapsulated in the Declaration of Independence, serving as a testament to his enduring influence on the principles of liberty and self-governance.

Resistance to government

Thomas Jefferson is often attributed with the quotation: "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty". However, there is no evidence that he ever said this. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which maintains his property at Monticello, could not find the saying anywhere in his writings. The first known attribution to Jefferson was in 2006, although the saying had been in circulation for decades.

Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence, did believe in rebellion, and some of his letters convey that sentiment. In 1787, he wrote: "The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive. It will often be exercised when wrong, but better so than not to be exercised at all. I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere."

The quotation in question captures some of the ideas that Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence:

> "...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..."

The expression of resistance to government has been a recurring theme in the history of political thought. Resistance to government can be justified when a government is perceived to be acting in an unjust, oppressive, or tyrannical manner. In such cases, resistance can take various forms, including civil disobedience, protests, and even revolution.

The right to resist an oppressive government is a fundamental principle in many political philosophies. For example, in the social contract theory, as articulated by philosophers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, individuals enter into a social contract with the government to protect their rights and ensure their well-being. However, if the government violates the terms of this contract by becoming tyrannical or failing to protect the rights of its citizens, individuals have the right to resist and overthrow that government.

Thomas Jefferson's retirement papers

Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, is often remembered for his advocacy of rebellion against tyranny. This sentiment has been encapsulated in the widely circulated quote attributed to him: "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty."

However, it is essential to note that this specific phrase does not appear in Thomas Jefferson's retirement papers or any of his known writings. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving his legacy, has deemed this quotation "spurious," indicating that it is not authentic.

The idea expressed in this quotation, however, resonates with some of Jefferson's known beliefs and writings. In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson articulates a similar concept, stating that when a prolonged series of abuses and usurpations manifest a government's intention to establish absolute despotism, it becomes the right and duty of the people to overthrow such a government.

In a letter written in 1787, Jefferson expressed his belief in the value of resistance to government on certain occasions. He wrote, "I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere." This statement showcases his recognition of the role of rebellion in challenging unjust authority.

While the exact phrase "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" may not be found in his retirement papers or other works, Thomas Jefferson's retirement papers likely reflected his enduring commitment to liberty, his scepticism of excessive government power, and his belief in the right of the people to resist and overthrow tyrannical rule. His ideas continue to influence political thought and shape the understanding of the relationship between government and the governed.

Thomas Jefferson's letters

Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, is often remembered for his ideas on freedom, justice, and rebellion. While there is no direct evidence of Jefferson saying "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty", this phrase captures some of the sentiments he expressed in his writings.

In his letters, Jefferson expounded on his beliefs in resistance and rebellion against unjust governance. In 1787, he wrote, "The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive. It will often be exercised when wrong, but better so than not to be exercised at all. I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere." This quote showcases Jefferson's recognition of the importance of challenging authority, even if it might sometimes be misguided. He viewed such resistance as a necessary safeguard against tyranny and the preservation of liberty.

Jefferson's ideas on rebellion and resistance were also reflected in the Declaration of Independence, which he drafted. In this seminal document, Jefferson wrote about the right and duty of the people to overthrow a despotic government: "...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 excerpt underscores Jefferson's conviction that when a government engages in consistent and systematic abuses, the people have not only the right but also the responsibility to rise up and dismantle it.

While the exact phrase "When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty" may not be directly attributed to Jefferson, it resonates with his broader philosophy on governance and freedom. Jefferson's writings and letters reveal a consistent advocacy for the right to resist and rebel against oppression. This principle has been a cornerstone of democratic thought and a rallying cry for those seeking to challenge unjust authority.

Jefferson's ideas on rebellion and resistance continue to inspire and shape political discourse, particularly during times of social and political upheaval. His words serve as a reminder of the importance of holding governments accountable and safeguarding the freedoms and rights of the people they serve.

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