Skip to content

Freedom Quote by Thomas Jefferson

“Our Revolution commenced on more favorable ground. It presented us an album on which we were free to write what we pleased. We had no occasion to search into musty records, to hunt up royal parchments, or to investigate the laws and institutions of a semi-barbarous ancestry. We appealed to those…” quote by Thomas Jefferson
Download Open image
““Our Revolution commenced on more favorable ground. It presented us an album on which we were free to write what we pleased. We had no occasion to search into musty records, to hunt up royal parchments, or to investigate the laws and institutions of a semi-barbarous ancestry. We appealed to those of nature, and found them engraved on our hearts. Yet we did not avail ourselves of all the advantages of our position. We had never been permitted to exercise self-government. When forced to assume it, we were novices in its science. Its principles and forms had entered little into our former education. We established however some, although not all its important principles. The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, (as in electing their functionaries executive and legislative, and deciding by a jury of themselves, in all judiciary cases in which any fact is involved,) or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed; that they are entitled to freedom of person, freedom of religion, freedom of property, and freedom of the press.””

Thomas Jefferson

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public Address, 1790s, United States

The passage reflects on early American self-governance, emphasizing natural rights, limited reliance on historical precedent, and the need for civic participation.

In simple terms: Early America valued natural rights and civic duty over old traditions.

Key Takeaway

Engage actively in democratic processes.

Themes

democracy rights citizenry

Mood

hopeful determined

Type

historical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • voting
  • community organizing
  • education reform

Key Concepts

political theory history

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities do citizens hold today?
  • How can we balance tradition with progress?
A Different Perspective

Idealism may overlook practical governance challenges.

2.7 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Thomas Jefferson

Explore all 2,098 Thomas Jefferson quotes

More Freedom quotes

Browse all 30,124 Freedom quotes