Able Quote by Thomas Jefferson
![“On the subject of the history of the American Revolution, you ask who shall write it? Who can write it? And who will ever be able to write it? Nobody, except merely its external facts... all its councils, designs and discussions having been conducted by Congress [behind] closed doors - and no…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1ae/thomas-jefferson-43_able_on-the-subject-of-the-history-of-the-ame_314441.jpg)
“On the subject of the history of the American Revolution, you ask who shall write it? Who can write it? And who will ever be able to write it? Nobody, except merely its external facts... all its councils, designs and discussions having been conducted by Congress [behind] closed doors - and no members, as far as I know, having even made notes of them. These, which are the life and soul of history, must forever be unknown.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Reflections on History, Thomas Jefferson, 1790
Historical truth is often hidden behind private deliberations, making complete accounts impossible.
In simple terms: History is often incomplete.
Key Takeaway
Seek multiple perspectives.
Themes
history
transparency
power
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government decision making
- academic research
Key Concepts
political secrecy
archival gaps
Questions to Reflect On
- What sources can reveal hidden histories?
- How do we trust historical narratives?
A Different Perspective
Official records may be biased or missing.
![“[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)
