False Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“One had rather have no opinion than a false one.”
About This Quote
Source Letter to John Adams, 1789
It is better to admit ignorance than to hold a mistaken belief, as false opinions mislead action.
In simple terms: Prefer no opinion over a wrong one.
Key Takeaway
Seek truth before forming opinions.
Themes
honesty
intellectual humility
truth-seeking
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- debates
- decision making
- education
Key Concepts
epistemology
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you chosen silence over a false claim?
- How can you verify an opinion before sharing?
A Different Perspective
False beliefs can cause harm if acted upon.
![“[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)
