Skip to content

The functionaries of every government have propensities to…

“The functionaries of every government have propensities to command at will the liberty and property of their constituents. There is no safe deposit for these but with the people themselves, nor can they be safe with them without information. Where the press is free, and every man able to read, all…” quote by Thomas Jefferson
Download Open image
“The functionaries of every government have propensities to command at will the liberty and property of their constituents. There is no safe deposit for these but with the people themselves, nor can they be safe with them without information. Where the press is free, and every man able to read, all is safe.”

Thomas Jefferson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Free press and informed citizens protect liberty; without information, people are vulnerable to government overreach.

In simple terms: Informed citizens guard freedom.

Key Takeaway

Support free media and education.

Themes

freedom information government

Mood

concerned optimistic

Type

political educational

When to use this quote

  • voting
  • journalism
  • public policy
  • community meetings

Key Concepts

democracy civic responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you verify information?
  • What role can you play in civic education?
A Different Perspective

Even with a free press, misinformation can spread.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Thomas Jefferson

Explore all 2,098 Thomas Jefferson quotes

More Able quotes

Browse all 17,257 Able quotes