. . . 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.
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In his correspondence, Thomas Jefferson expresses the importance of having a spirit of resistance against the government. He believes that this attitude should be maintained at all times, as it can be crucial during moments when authority may act unjustly. While recognizing that rebellion may sometimes be misguided, he asserts that it is preferable to have some dissent rather than none at all.
Jefferson likens resistance to a storm in the atmosphere, suggesting that it can invigorate society by shaking off stagnation. His perspective demonstrates a complex understanding of governance and the necessity for occasional rebellion as a means of preserving freedom and justice. In essence, Jefferson advocates for a balance between order and the need for spirited opposition.
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