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Bad government Quote by Ambrose Bierce

“INSURRECTION, n. An unsuccessful revolution. Disaffection's failure to substitute misrule for bad government.” quote by Ambrose Bierce
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“INSURRECTION, n. An unsuccessful revolution. Disaffection's failure to substitute misrule for bad government.”

Ambrose Bierce

About This Quote

Source Dictionary entry: 1909

An insurrection is a failed attempt to replace bad rule with worse misrule.

In simple terms: Failed revolts replace one bad rule with another.

Key Takeaway

Beware of replacing problems with worse solutions.

Themes

politics revolution failure

Mood

cynical critical

Type

satirical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • government reform
  • activist movements
  • policy change

Key Concepts

political theory history

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes a change successful?
  • How can reforms avoid new problems?
A Different Perspective

Revolutions can backfire, creating more chaos.

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