Government Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself.”
About This Quote
Truth stands independently, while error requires external reinforcement; institutions should protect truth without bolstering falsehoods.
In simple terms: Truth needs no government; error does.
Key Takeaway
Truth is self‑sustaining.
Themes
truth
error
government role
philosophy
Mood
assertive
principled
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- media regulation
- academic integrity policies
Key Concepts
epistemology
Practical Applications
- ensure transparency in public information
- remove incentives for misinformation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect truth without over‑regulating?
- What mechanisms let error persist despite lack of support?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify complex societal dynamics where truth also benefits from institutional support.
![“[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)
