Authority Quote by Thomas Jefferson
![“[O]ur rules can have authority over such natural rights only as we have submitted to them. The rights of conscience we never submitted, we could not submit. We are answerable for them to our God.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c72/thomas-jefferson-43_authority_o-ur-rules-can-have-authority-over-such_2895951.jpg)
“[O]ur rules can have authority over such natural rights only as we have submitted to them. The rights of conscience we never submitted, we could not submit. We are answerable for them to our God.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Political Theory, Thomas Jefferson, 1790s
Asserts that natural rights, especially conscience, remain beyond governmental authority.
In simple terms: Conscience is an inviolable right.
Key Takeaway
Protect personal conscience against overreach.
Themes
natural rights
conscience
authority
Mood
analytical
principled
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- law
- education
- religion
- civil discourse
Key Concepts
political philosophy
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How should societies safeguard conscience?
- What limits should government have?
A Different Perspective
Balancing authority and liberty is complex.
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![“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)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)