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Chapters Quote by Thomas Jefferson

“Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle... Perhaps an editor might begin a reformation in some such way as this. Divide his paper into four chapters, heading the 1st, Truths. 2d, Probabilities. 3d…” quote by Thomas Jefferson
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“Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle... Perhaps an editor might begin a reformation in some such way as this. Divide his paper into four chapters, heading the 1st, Truths. 2d, Probabilities. 3d, Possibilities. 4th, Lies. The first chapter would be very short.”

Thomas Jefferson

About This Quote

Source Essay: Letter to a newspaper editor, 1795

Media can distort truth; separating facts, probabilities, possibilities, and lies helps clarify.

In simple terms: Separate truth from speculation and falsehood.

Key Takeaway

Critically evaluate information sources.

Themes

media literacy truth skepticism

Mood

skeptical inquisitive

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • reading news
  • researching claims
  • educational curricula
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

epistemology information theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we apply this four‑chapter method today?
  • What role do editors play in shaping truth?
A Different Perspective

Even structured categories cannot eliminate bias entirely.

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