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Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.
JOHN BRADSHAW, inscription on his tombstone
- Nature has left this tincture in the blood,
- That all men would be tyrants if they could.
DANIEL DEFOE, The Kentish Petition
Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves.
WILLIAM PITT, speech, Nov. 18, 1783
When a people shall have become incapable of governing themselves, and fit for a master, it is of little consequence from what quarter he comes.
GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter to the Marquis de Lafayette, Apr. 28, 1788
Authority and power are two different things: power is the force by means of which you can oblige others to obey you. Authority is the right to direct and command, to be listened to or obeyed by others. Authority requests power. Power without authority is tyranny.
JACQUES MARITAIN, "The Democratic Charter," Man and the State
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.
THOMAS JEFFERSON, letter to W.S. Smith, Nov. 13, 1787
- Tyranny
- Is far the worst of treasons. Dost thou deem
- None rebels except subjects? The prince who
- Neglects or violates his trust is more
- A brigand than the robber-chief.
LORD BYRON, The Two Foscari
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