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Arise Quote by Thomas Jefferson

“If a sect arises whose tenets would subvert morals, good sense has fair play and reasons and laughs it out of doors without suffering the State to be troubled with it.” quote by Thomas Jefferson
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“If a sect arises whose tenets would subvert morals, good sense has fair play and reasons and laughs it out of doors without suffering the State to be troubled with it.”

Thomas Jefferson

About This Quote

Source Essay: Thoughts on the Government of the United States, 1785

When a group promotes ideas that undermine ethics and reason, society should reject it openly to avoid state involvement.

In simple terms: Reject immoral ideas early to keep the state calm.

Key Takeaway

Dismiss harmful doctrines before they spread.

Themes

ethics reason social order

Mood

cautious critical

Type

ethical political

When to use this quote

  • community meetings
  • legislative debates
  • media commentary
  • educational curricula

Key Concepts

political philosophy civil liberty public morality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies balance free expression with moral standards?
  • When should the state intervene in ideological disputes?
A Different Perspective

If the group is popular, suppression may clash with free speech values.

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