Bases Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Letter to John Adams, 1799
Jefferson argues that a free press is essential, preferring newspapers over a government without them, and stresses universal literacy.
In simple terms: Free press and literacy are vital for democracy.
Key Takeaway
Support a free press and promote reading.
Themes
democracy
press freedom
education
citizen rights
Mood
thoughtful
determined
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political discourse
- public policy
- media regulation
- education reform
Key Concepts
Republicanism
public sphere
literacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure media literacy?
- What safeguards protect press freedom?
A Different Perspective
A free press can be misused by powerful interests.
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![“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)
