Agents Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Reason and free inquiry are the only effectual agents against error.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Letter to James Madison, 1793
Reason and open questioning are the primary tools to correct mistakes.
In simple terms: Critical thinking fights error.
Key Takeaway
Use reason to challenge assumptions.
Themes
critical thinking
education
truth seeking
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- debates
- scientific research
- policy making
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
Enlightenment
epistemology
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you test your own beliefs?
- When is questioning insufficient?
A Different Perspective
Reason alone cannot overcome bias without humility.
![“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)
![“Reciprocal accountability, or criticism [is] the only known antidote to error.” quote by David Brin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0bb/david-brin-3024_accountability_reciprocal-accountability-or-criticism-i_717514.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)
![“I don't see [ Trainspotting ] as an albatross, I see it more as a calling card. It's got me out to Hollywood, I've got a good agent, I've got a good manager, I'm getting a lot of work out there and doing a lot of stuff - getting a lot of film projects on the go.” quote by Irvine Welsh](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/918/irvine-welsh-843_agents_i-don-t-see-trainspotting-as-an-albatros_7750.jpg)
