Age of reason Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear… Do not be frightened from this inquiry from any fear of its consequences. If it ends in the belief that there is no God, you will find incitements to virtue in the comfort and pleasantness you feel in its exercise...”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Letter to John Adams, 1790
Encourages rational inquiry over fear, suggesting that belief in God is not required for moral virtue.
In simple terms: Reason over fear; virtue without God.
Key Takeaway
Seek truth through reason.
Themes
reason
faith
virtue
inquiry
Mood
thoughtful
challenging
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- philosophical
- religious debate
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
theism
skepticism
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does fear influence belief?
- Can morality exist without religion?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook emotional comfort faith faith provides.
![“[T]o read was precisely to enter another world, which was not the reader's own, and come back refreshed, ready to bear with equanimity the injustices and frustrations of this one. Reading was balm, amusement -- not incitement.” quote by Susan Sontag](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/885/susan-sontag-332_amusement_t-o-read-was-precisely-to-enter-another_438392.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)
