Devices Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Government as well as religion has furnished its schisms, its persecutions and its devices for fattening idleness on the earnings of the people.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1802 correspondence of Thomas Jefferson on religion and government
Institutions can manipulate faith and economics to maintain idleness among the populace.
In simple terms: Power can exploit religion and economics.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and seek active participation.
Themes
politics
religion
exploitation
idleness
economics
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- civic engagement
- education
- policy reform
- community organizing
Key Concepts
critical theory
social control
Questions to Reflect On
- How does modern media influence idleness?
- What can individuals do to stay active?
A Different Perspective
Not all institutions are overtly oppressive; some are subtle.
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![“The sense of tragedy - according to Aristotle - comes, ironically enough, not from the protagonist's weak points but from his good qualities. Do you know what I'm getting at? People are drawn deeper into tragedy not by their defects but by their virtues. ... [But] we accept irony through a device…” quote by Haruki Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aa9/haruki-murakami-21_accepting_the-sense-of-tragedy-according-to-aristo_23796.jpg)
