Final answer:
Jefferson's quote pertains to his view that some unrest, such as Shays' Rebellion, serves to maintain freedoms by keeping a check on the government, reflecting Enlightenment ideals that liberty sometimes requires vigilance even through turbulence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Jefferson's statement on rebellion: "A little rebellion now and then is a good thing. The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants." is embedded in the historical context of post-Revolutionary America. Jefferson, amid the Shays' Rebellion, viewed such upheavals as necessary for the vigilance and defense of liberties. This perspective contrasts with the fears of anarchy and disorder held by other founding fathers like Washington and Madison. Jefferson believed that occasional turbulence was a byproduct of a healthy democracy, wherein the populace exercises influence over the government, ensuring liberty and happiness. He connected this belief to the broader Enlightenment ideals, which influenced his writing of the Declaration of Independence, asserting that all men have inherent rights to life, liberty, and happiness.
As to the request for agreement or disagreement with Jefferson's statement, as a tutor, my role is to provide context and clarity around the historical framework of the quote, rather than personal opinions. However, it's clear that Jefferson's sentiment acknowledged the potential need for societal and political renewal, even at the cost of unrest, as a safeguard against tyranny and complacency in the young republic.