re: #604 Charles

Jefferson didn’t fear violent revolution because he was in the middle of one, against England. The quote is specifically about the time Jefferson lived in, and is not supposed to be some kind of prescription for never-ending revolution.

Jefferson believed that tyranny was the natural state and liberty the exception. And people living under liberty could grow lethargic to encroaching tyranny. And that rebellion against that encroachment was vital in maintaining liberty.

God forbid we should ever be 20 years without such a rebellion

and

what country can preserve it’s liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance?

Surely he is writing this for the ages and not just his present condition.

Of course, it is one of his writings that is most easily misused and abused.