Bars Quote by Margaret Thatcher
“There is no week, nor day, nor hour, when tyranny may not enter upon this country, if the people lose their supreme confidence in themselves, and lose their roughness and spirit of defiance. Tyranny may always enter—there is no charm or bar against it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: House of Commons, 1979, United Kingdom
The quote warns that tyranny can arise whenever people lose confidence and defiant spirit, emphasizing vigilance against complacency.
In simple terms: Loss of self‑confidence and defiance invites tyranny; stay vigilant.
Maintain collective confidence and a spirit of dissent.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- government
- civil society
- education
- media monitoring
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance confidence with humility?
- What safeguards prevent tyranny today?
Overemphasis on defiance may ignore cooperation needed for stability.