Abandon Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“But the fact being once established, that the press is impotent when it abandons itself to falsehood, I leave to others to restore it to its strength, by recalling it within the pale of truth. Within that, it is a noble institution, equally the friend of science and of civil liberty.”
About This Quote
Source Letter to James Madison, 1790
Press loses credibility when it spreads falsehoods; truth restores its noble role supporting science and liberty.
In simple terms: Truthful press upholds science and freedom.
Promote truth and accountability in media.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- news reporting
- academic publishing
- public policy
- social media platforms
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms can safeguard media integrity?
- How can individuals discern truth from falsehood?
Press may be influenced by political or commercial pressures, compromising truth.