Age of reason Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Shake off all the fears and servile prejudices under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. 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... Your own reason is the only oracle given you by heaven, and you are answerable not for the rightness but uprightness of the decision.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 1790
Reason should guide belief; question even divine existence, demanding rational justification over fear‑based faith.
In simple terms: Use reason to evaluate all claims, including God.
Key Takeaway
Apply critical thinking to beliefs.
Themes
reason
skepticism
faith
intellectual freedom
enlightenment
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal belief formation
- public discourse
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
philosophy
critical inquiry
religious doubt
Questions to Reflect On
- What fears influence your reasoning?
- How can reason coexist with faith?
A Different Perspective
Reason can be limited by personal biases and cultural conditioning.
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