Eternal Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Truth and reason are eternal. They have prevailed. And they will eternally prevail; however, in times and places they may be overborne for a while by violence, military, civil, or ecclesiastical.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Unknown, possibly personal correspondence
Truth and reason endure despite temporary oppression by violence or institutions
In simple terms: Reason and truth outlast oppression
Key Takeaway
Trust in reason and truth over time
Themes
philosophy
politics
justice
Mood
thoughtful
hopeful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- legal reforms
- civil rights movements
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
eternal truths
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards protect truth today?
- How can reason influence policy?
A Different Perspective
Violence may temporarily suppress truth
![“[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)
