Citizens Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Our citizens may be deceived for awhile, and have been deceived; but as long as the presses can be protected, we may trust to them for light.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Press Freedom Advocacy, 1791
Argues that protecting the press is essential for an informed citizenry and societal illumination.
In simple terms: Free press enlightens society.
Key Takeaway
Defend journalistic independence.
Themes
freedom of speech
democracy
information
public trust
Mood
hopeful
serious
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- journalistic practice
- education curricula
Key Concepts
civic responsibility
media ethics
political theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a free press empower citizens?
- What safeguards ensure press integrity?
A Different Perspective
Press can be misused for propaganda.
![“Reason and free inquiry are the only effectual agents against error... They are the natural enemies of error, and of error only... If [free enquiry] be restrained now, the present corruptions will be protected, and new ones encouraged.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/645/thomas-jefferson-43_agents_reason-and-free-inquiry-are-the-only-eff_1546896.jpg)
![“[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)
