Combat Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“This institution will be based on the illimitable freedom of the human mind. For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, not tolerate error as long as reason is left free to combat it.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Letter to John Adams, 1776
Advocates unrestricted intellectual freedom and pursuit of truth, rejecting fear of error.
In simple terms: Freedom of thought is essential.
Key Takeaway
Embrace truth, defend reason.
Themes
freedom
truth
reason
intellectual liberty
Mood
reflective
inspirational
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- education
- scientific research
- political discourse
- legal reform
Key Concepts
Enlightenment
philosophy
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance free thought with social responsibility?
- What limits, reason face?
A Different Perspective
May overlook practical constraints of societal order.
![“[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)
