The spirit of revolution, the spirit of insurrection, is a spirit radically opposed to liberty.

Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.

The only justification of rebellion is success.

Those who give the first shock to a state are the first overwhelmed in its ruin; the fruits of public commotion are seldom enjoyed by him who was the first mover; he only beats the water for another’s net.

The most radical revolutionary will become a conservative on the day after the revolution.

Revolutions are not about trifles, but they are produced by trifles. 

Revolutionaries are greater sticklers for formality than conservatives.

The successful revolutionary is a statesman, the unsuccessful one a criminal.

In revolutions men fall and rise. Long before this war is over, much as you hear me praised now, you may hear me cursed and insulted.

Insurgents are like conquerors: they must go forward; the moment they are stopped, they are lost.

All civilization has from time to time become a thin crust over a volcano of revolution.

Who draws his sword against his prince must throw away the scabbard.

And then, sir, there is this consideration: that if the abuse be enormous, nature will rise up and, claiming her original rights, overturn a corrupt political system.