Memorable Bastille Day Quotes

Bastille Day is France's national holiday. However, the significance of this day goes far beyond the boundaries of French history. The Storming of the Bastille symbolizes the end of aristocratic tyranny, giving the power back to the people. It serves as the foundation of democratic revolt, spearheading similar revolutions throughout Europe. Surprisingly, there have been few good commentaries on this historic event as it was rooted in emotions rather than words. The following is a collection of the precious few Bastille Day quotes. Enjoy these quotes as we relive this great moment in world history.

"Is it a revolt? A: No sire, it's a revolution." Louis XVI and Duke of Rochefoucauld

"Any institution which does not suppose the people good, and the magistrate corruptible, is evil." Maximilien Robespierre

"One should respect public opinion insofar as is necessary to avoid starvation and keep out of prison, but anything that goes beyond this is voluntary submission to an unnecessary tyranny." Bertrand Russell

"No dictator, no invader, can hold an imprisoned population by force of arms forever. There is no greater power in the universe than the need for freedom. Against that power, governments and tyrants and armies cannot stand." J. Michael Straczynski

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way." Charles Dickens, Tale of Two Cities

"Any law which violates the inalienable rights of man is essentially unjust and tyrannical; it is not a law at all." Maximilien Robespierre

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"Joy was in all hearts, the enthusiasm was indescribable. The oldest inhabitants of the city do not ever recall having seen a similar fête, so brilliant and complete." Anonymous

"I....., a resident in Paris, write this melancholy paper in my doleful cell in the Bastille, during the last month of the year 1767. I write it at stolen intervals, under every difficulty. I design to secrete it in the wall of the chimney, where I have slowly and laboriously made a place of concealment for it. Some pitying hand may find it there, when I and my sorrows are dust." Charles Dickens, Tale of Two Cities