We took the liberty to make some enquiries concerning the…
![“We took the liberty to make some enquiries concerning the ground of their pretensions to make war upon nations who had done them no injury, and observed that we considered all mankind as our friends who had done us no wrong, nor had given us any provocation. The Ambassador [of Tripoli] answered us…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/b77/thomas-jefferson-43_freedom_we-took-the-liberty-to-make-some-enquiri_1367898.jpg)
““We took the liberty to make some enquiries concerning the ground of their pretensions to make war upon nations who had done them no injury, and observed that we considered all mankind as our friends who had done us no wrong, nor had given us any provocation. The Ambassador [of Tripoli] answered us that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners, and that every Musselman who should be slain in battle was sure to go to Paradise. { Letter from the commissioners, John Adams & Thomas Jefferson, to John Jay , 28 March 1786 }””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The letter critiques the Tripoli ambassador’s justification for war, exposing how religious doctrine was used to legitimize aggression.
In simple terms: Tripoli used religious law to justify war and slavery.
Key Takeaway
Question the use of religion to justify violence.
Themes
history
religion
war
colonialism
ethics
Mood
critical
historical
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- diplomatic negotiations
- policy making
- human rights advocacy
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
justification of war
religious extremism
colonial attitudes
Questions to Reflect On
- How do modern states use ideology to justify conflict?
- What lessons can be drawn for contemporary foreign policy?
A Different Perspective
Religious justifications can be manipulated for political ends.