Accidents Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Instead of that liberty which takes root and growth in the progress of reason, if recovered by mere force or accident, it becomes with an unprepared people a tyranny still of the many, the few, or the one.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Notes on the State of Virginia, 1785
Freedom earned through reason can be corrupted by force, turning it into tyranny for any group, regardless of size.
In simple terms: Reasoned liberty can become oppression if imposed by force.
Key Takeaway
Guard freedom with vigilance and rational discourse.
Themes
freedom
reason
tyranny
power
politics
Mood
cautious
thoughtful
critical
Type
political
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- education reform
- civil rights activism
- community organizing
Key Concepts
Political philosophy
Social contract
Authority
Liberty
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies prevent the abuse of power?
- What role does reason play in safeguarding liberty?
A Different Perspective
Power can be abused even with good intentions, leading to oppression.
![“[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)
