Certain teachings in the Bible are as diamonds in a dung-heap.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that while there may be valuable insights in religious texts, they can often be overshadowed by flawed or undesirable elements.
Thomas Jefferson's quote reflects a critical perspective on religious teachings, implying that amidst various doctrines and beliefs, there are profound truths akin to precious diamonds. However, these truths can be difficult to appreciate fully due to the surrounding confusion or misguided teachings that he metaphorically refers to as a 'dung-heap'. This highlights a philosophical approach that values discernment and the search for wisdom within larger, more complex systems of thought.
In practice
In a speech about reform in religious education, this quote can highlight the need for discernment.
The firmness with which the (American) people have withstood the... abuses of the press, the discernment they have manifested between truth and falsehood, show that they may safely be trusted to hear everything true and false and to form a correct judgment between them.
I, place economy among the first & most important republican virtues, & public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared
βWe must make our choice between economy and liberty or confusion and servitude...If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labor and in our amusements...if we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.
Very many and very meritorious were the worthy patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting vigilance.
A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
Purity of mind and conduct is the first glory of a woman.
We want to be in control of our lives. Whether we are jungle fighters, craftsmen, company men, gamesmen, we want to be in control. And when the government erodes that control, we are not comfortable.
No human beings more dangerous than those who have suffered for a belief: the great persecutors are recruited from the martyrs not quite beheaded. Far from diminishing the appetite for power, suffering exasperates it.
They who forgive most shall be most forgiven.
The responsibility of philanthropy rests with us. The wealthier we are, the more powerful we get. We cannot put the entire onus on the government.
The greatest dignity to be found in death is the dignity of the life that preceded it. This is a form of hope that we can all achieve, and it is the most abiding of all. Hope resides in the meaning of what our lives have been.
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