Dread Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“I am not myself apt to be alarmed at innovations recommended by reason. That dread belongs to those whose interests or prejudices shrink from the advance of truth and science.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Letter to John Adams, 1790
Reasoned innovations can be unsettling, but fear is a sign of personal bias, not of truth.
In simple terms: Fear of new ideas shows personal bias.
Question your biases before dismissing progress.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- adopting new technology
- policy reform
- education
- career change
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What biases might you hold about new ideas?
- How can you evaluate innovations objectively?
Fear can also stem from legitimate risks, not just bias.