Combat Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Correspondence with James Madison, 1791
Reason should be free to challenge opinions; tolerating errors is acceptable when rational debate is allowed.
In simple terms: Reason can correct opinion errors if free to argue.
Key Takeaway
Encourage open, rational discourse.
Themes
reason
free speech
debate
error tolerance
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- academic forums
- legislative hearings
- media commentary
- education policy
Key Concepts
Enlightenment
philosophy of mind
public sphere
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance free discourse with civility?
- What mechanisms keep reason dominant?
A Different Perspective
Unrestricted debate can become chaotic without norms.
![“If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union, or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated, where reason is left free to combat it." [First Inaugural Address, March 4, 1801]” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/60e/thomas-jefferson-43_founding-fathers_if-there-be-any-among-us-who-would-wish_1357701.jpg)
![“[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch of the same government.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/thomas-jefferson-43_branches_states-and-the-federal-government-are-co_2619.jpg)
![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
