Blessing Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“A single good government becomes... a blessing to the whole earth, its welcome to the oppressed restraining within certain limits the measure of their oppressions. But should even this be counteracted by violence on the right of expatriation, the other branch of our example then presents itself for imitation: to rise on their rulers and do as we have done.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Correspondence, 1790, to James Madison
A good government benefits all, but oppression can arise if power is abused, leading to violent rebellion
In simple terms: Good governance helps everyone, but can cause rebellion if oppressive
Key Takeaway
Limit power, protect the oppressed
Themes
governance
justice
rebellion
Mood
thoughtful
concerned
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- civil rights activism
- community organizing
Key Concepts
social contract
political theory
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance authority and liberty?
- What safeguards prevent oppression from escalating?
A Different Perspective
Power can be misused despite good intentions
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![“[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch of the same government.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/thomas-jefferson-43_branches_states-and-the-federal-government-are-co_2619.jpg)
![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
