[n regard to Jesus believing himself inspired] This belief…
![“[n regard to Jesus believing himself inspired] This belief carried no more personal imputation than the belief of Socrates that he was under the care and admonition of a guardian demon. And how many of our wisest men still believe in the reality of these inspirations while perfectly sane on all…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/375/thomas-jefferson-43_faith_n-regard-to-jesus-believing-himself-insp_319513.jpg)
““[n regard to Jesus believing himself inspired] This belief carried no more personal imputation than the belief of Socrates that he was under the care and admonition of a guardian demon. And how many of our wisest men still believe in the reality of these inspirations while perfectly sane on all other subjects (Works, Vol. iv, p. 327).””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Jefferson compares belief in divine inspiration to Socrates’ belief in a guardian spirit, suggesting such faith is a personal, non-empirical conviction.
In simple terms: Faith in inspiration is a personal belief, not a factual claim.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the difference between personal belief and empirical evidence.
Themes
faith
philosophy
skepticism
religion
personal belief
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- Philosophical debate
- religious discourse
- personal reflection
- academic study
Key Concepts
Divine inspiration
guardian spirit
Socratic method
Questions to Reflect On
- How do personal beliefs influence rational decision‑making?
- Can one hold non‑empirical convictions while remaining intellectually rigorous?
A Different Perspective
Such beliefs may coexist with rational thought, but can be challenged by empirical standards.