Agents Quote by Thomas Jefferson
![“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)
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Letter to James Madison, 1802
Advocates that reason and free inquiry are essential to uncover and correct errors, and that suppressing them preserves corruption and invites new mistakes.
In simple terms: Reason and free inquiry prevent error.
Key Takeaway
Protect free inquiry.
Themes
freedom of thought
critical thinking
error correction
Mood
thoughtful
defensive
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- academic research
- journalism
- public policy
- education reform
Key Concepts
Enlightenment
rationalism
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies safeguard free inquiry?
- What are the risks of suppressing dissent?
A Different Perspective
If inquiry is limited, errors may go unchecked.
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![“[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)
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![“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)
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