The clergy ... believe that any portion of power confided…
![“The clergy ... believe that any portion of power confided to me [as President] will be exerted in opposition to their schemes. And they believe rightly: for I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. But this is all they have to fear…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/ce9/thomas-jefferson-43_altars_the-clergy-believe-that-any-portion-of-p_1301853.jpg)
“The clergy ... believe that any portion of power confided to me [as President] will be exerted in opposition to their schemes. And they believe rightly: for I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man. But this is all they have to fear from me: and enough, too, in their opinion.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Jefferson warns that granting him power will provoke opposition, yet he vows eternal resistance to mental tyranny.
In simple terms: Power invites opposition; he opposes mental tyranny.
Key Takeaway
Resist tyranny of the mind.
Themes
politics
power
freedom
Mood
defiant
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government formation
- public policy
- civil rights
- education reform
Key Concepts
tyranny
mind control
authority
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we guard against mental tyranny?
- Can power be exercised without provoking opposition?
A Different Perspective
His resolve may be rhetorical, not actionable.