--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: But every difference of opinion is not a…" description: "\"But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have been called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Rep..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63b/thomas-jefferson-43_brethren_but-every-difference-of-opinion-is-not-a_209020.jpg" --- # But every difference of opinion is not a difference of… ![“But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have been called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63b/thomas-jefferson-43_brethren_but-every-difference-of-opinion-is-not-a_209020.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63b/thomas-jefferson-43_brethren_but-every-difference-of-opinion-is-not-a_209020.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/63b/thomas-jefferson-43_brethren_but-every-difference-of-opinion-is-not-a_209020.jpg) > “But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have been called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.” [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Differences in opinion do not always reflect core principles; shared values can unite diverse viewpoints. **In simple terms:** Not all disagreements are about values. Key Takeaway Seek common ground before debating. Themes politics principles unity dialogue diversity Mood thoughtful respectful constructive Type political philosophical advice When to use this quote - political debates - community meetings - policy discussions Key Concepts civic engagement conflict resolution collaboration Questions to Reflect On - What shared principle can bridge your current disagreement? - How can you frame your argument to highlight common values? A Different Perspective Principles may be interpreted differently across cultures. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Difference Of Opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/difference-of-opinion/) [Differences](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/differences/) [Differences of opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/differences-of-opinion/) [Different names](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/different-names/) [Federalist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/federalist/) [Opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opinion/) [Principles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/principles/) [Republican](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/republican/) ## Related quotes > [As a matter of principle, Republicans do not believe in federal price controls.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeb-hensarling/as-a-matter-of-principle-republicans-do-not-believe-in-federal-price/) [Jeb Hensarling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeb-hensarling/) > [Not only is individual liberty part of California's heritage, it's a classic conservative principle - one that Republicans have ignored to our own detriment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-faulconer/not-only-is-individual-liberty-part-of-california-s-heritage-it-s-a/) [Kevin Faulconer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-faulconer/) > [If I could not go to heaven with but a party, I would not go there at all. Therefore, I am not of the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/if-i-could-not-go-to-heaven-with-but-a-party-i-would-not-go-there-at/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [...We are all Federalists,and we are all Republicans.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/we-are-all-federalists-and-we-are-all-republicans/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Difference of opinion is helpful in religion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/difference-of-opinion-is-helpful-in-religion/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/but-every-difference-of-opinion-is-not-a-difference-of-principle/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [“Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor morum over each other. Is uniformity attainable? Millions…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/difference-of-opinion-is-advantageous-in-religion-the-several-sects-2/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor - over each other.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/difference-of-opinion-is-advantageous-in-religion-the-several-sects/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Difference of opinion leads to inquiry, and inquiry to the truth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/difference-of-opinion-leads-to-inquiry-and-inquiry-to-the-truth/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Difference of opinion leads to enquiry, and enquiry to truth; and I am sure...we both value too much the freedom of opinion sanctioned by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/difference-of-opinion-leads-to-enquiry-and-enquiry-to-truth-and-i-am/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [In every country where man is free to think and to speak, difference of opinion will arise from difference of perception, and the imperfection…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/in-every-country-where-man-is-free-to-think-and-to-speak-difference/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/i-never-considered-a-difference-of-opinion-in-politics-in-religion-in/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [In a free society with a government based on reason, it is inevitable that there will be no uniform opinion about important issues. Those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/in-a-free-society-with-a-government-based-on-reason-it-is-inevitable/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Obama is now fighting for his life. He's fighting for a federal government. I believe in a federal government. I hope it sticks around.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oliver-stone/obama-is-now-fighting-for-his-life-he-s-fighting-for-a-federal/) [Oliver Stone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oliver-stone/) > [“The Anti-Federalists feared that the Americans would follow the example of the Europeans as described by Mercy Warren: "Bent on gratification, at the expense…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herbert-j-storing/the-anti-federalists-feared-that-the-americans-would-follow-the/) Herbert J. Storing ## More by Thomas Jefferson > [A man has a right to use a saw, an axe, a plane, separately; may he not combine their uses on the same piece…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/a-man-has-a-right-to-use-a-saw-an-axe-a-plane-separately-may-he-not/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/believing-with-you-that-religion-is-a-matter-which-lies-solely/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [ \[States and the Federal government are\] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/states-and-the-federal-government-are-coordinate-departments-of-one/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [I am for freedom of religion, and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendency of one sect over another.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/i-am-for-freedom-of-religion-and-against-all-maneuvers-to-bring-about/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-to-the-accidental-opinion-of-a/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [“Perceiving the order of nature to be that individual happiness shall be inseparable from the practice of virtue, I am willing to hope it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/perceiving-the-order-of-nature-to-be-that-individual-happiness-shall/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Free government is founded in jealousy, and not in confidence; it is jealousy, and not confidence, which prescribes limited constitutions, to bind down those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/free-government-is-founded-in-jealousy-and-not-in-confidence-it-is/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one-step-what-will-be-the-next/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [A well informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/a-well-informed-citizenry-is-the-best-defense-against-tyranny/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [The two principles on which our conduct towards the Indians should be founded are justice and fear. After the injuries we have done them,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/the-two-principles-on-which-our-conduct-towards-the-indians-should-be/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Knowledge is power...knowled ge is safety...knowle dge is happiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/knowledge-is-power-knowled-ge-is-safety-knowle-dge-is-happiness/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [There is... an artificial aristocracy founded on wealth and birth, without either virtue or talents... The artificial aristocracy is a mischievous ingredient in government,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/there-is-an-artificial-aristocracy-founded-on-wealth-and-birth/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Nothing but free argument, raillery and even ridicule will preserve the purity of religion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/nothing-but-free-argument-raillery-and-even-ridicule-will-preserve/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [When the people are afraid of the government, that's tyranny. But when the government is afraid of the people, that's liberty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/when-the-people-are-afraid-of-the-government-that-s-tyranny-but-when/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/we-hold-these-truths-to-be-self-evident-that-all-men-are-created/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) [Explore all 2,098 Thomas Jefferson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) ## More Brethren quotes > [Therefore, brethren, pray until God gives us revelation so that "knowing this" in our spirit we may truly confess "that our old man has…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/therefore-brethren-pray-until-god-gives-us-revelation-so-that-knowing/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character--that is the goal of true education. The complete education gives one not only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther-king-jr/we-must-remember-that-intelligence-is-not-enough-intelligence-plus/) [Martin Luther King, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther-king-jr/) > [“That which they have need of . . . let it be given them day by day without fail. Ezra 6:9 If we really…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/watchman-nee/that-which-they-have-need-of-let-it-be-given-them-day-by-day-without/) [Watchman Nee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/watchman-nee/) > [God has given this way of life to Israel: to abstain from everything which is contrary to nature, that is to say, anger, fits…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/poemen/god-has-given-this-way-of-life-to-israel-to-abstain-from-everything/) [Poemen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/poemen/) > [Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bible/rebuke-not-an-elder-but-entreat-him-as-a-father-and-the-younger-men/) [Bible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bible/) > [Through these offices it was my privilege to get to know almost every Jewish person, and those whom I did not come to know…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/through-these-offices-it-was-my-privilege-to-get-to-know-almost-every/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [But since the Modernists (as they are commonly and rightly called) employ a very clever artifice, namely, to present their doctrines without order and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pope-pius-x/but-since-the-modernists-as-they-are-commonly-and-rightly-called/) [Pope Pius X](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pope-pius-x/) > [The event of the landing of these brethren upon our shores is to be, not without its beneficial effect, as well to the colored…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-tappan/the-event-of-the-landing-of-these-brethren-upon-our-shores-is-to-be/) [Lewis Tappan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-tappan/) > [No adversity is in kind or degree peculiar to us; but if we survey the conditions of other men (of our brethren everywhere, of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isaac-barrow/no-adversity-is-in-kind-or-degree-peculiar-to-us-but-if-we-survey-the/) [Isaac Barrow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isaac-barrow/) > [Dan Brister's book bears witness to the last fifteen years of this bureaucratic madness to tame the last vestige of wild America and domesticate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/doug-peacock/dan-brister-s-book-bears-witness-to-the-last-fifteen-years-of-this/) [Doug Peacock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/doug-peacock/) > [The closing period of the fifteenth century witnessed the slow but sure increase of the churches of the Brethren. Although far from being unmolested,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ezra-hall-gillett/the-closing-period-of-the-fifteenth-century-witnessed-the-slow-but/) Ezra Hall Gillett > [Our Southern brethren have done grievously, they have rebelled and have attacked their father's house and their loyal brothers. They must be punished and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-anderson/our-southern-brethren-have-done-grievously-they-have-rebelled-and/) [Robert Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-anderson/) > [I want my sex to claim nothing from their brethren but what their brethren may justly claim from them.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-moore-grimke/i-want-my-sex-to-claim-nothing-from-their-brethren-but-what-their/) [Sarah Moore Grimke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-moore-grimke/) > [There is a great need to rally the women of the Church to stand with and for the Brethren in stemming the tide of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/howard-w-hunter/there-is-a-great-need-to-rally-the-women-of-the-church-to-stand-with/) [Howard W. Hunter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/howard-w-hunter/) > [...it is proper that the duty of helping the poor and unfortunate should especially stir Catholics, since they are members of the Mystical Body…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pope-john-xxii/it-is-proper-that-the-duty-of-helping-the-poor-and-unfortunate-should/) [Pope John XXII](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pope-john-xxii/) Browse all 298 Brethren quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have been called by different names brethren of the same principle. 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