It behooves our citizens to be on their guard, to be firm in their principles, and full of confidence in themselves. We are able to preserve our self-government if we will but think so.
Interpretation
Citizens should remain vigilant, steadfast in their beliefs, and confident in their abilities to maintain self-governance.
This quote by Thomas Jefferson emphasizes the importance of vigilance and confidence among citizens in a democracy. Jefferson suggests that to effectively preserve self-governance, individuals must be committed to their principles and possess a strong sense of self-assurance, indicating that the strength of a democracy lies in the active participation and belief of its citizens.
In practice
In a speech advocating civic responsibility, one might say, 'As Thomas Jefferson wisely noted, it behooves our citizens to be vigilant and principled.'
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
We 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.
When we become advocates of a creed, something dies; we do not believe God, we only believe our belief about Him.
May all our contemporaries stand beside their brothers and sisters in humanity. Each one of you is called by Christ and must be a missionary of the Good News in word and in active charity.
All truth is simple... is that not doubly a lie?
I love Sufism as I love beautiful poetry, but it is not the answer. Sufism is like a mirage in the desert. It says to you, come and sit, relax and enjoy yourself for a while.
Anyway, if you stop tellin' people it's all sorted out afer they're dead, they might try sorting it all out while they're alive.
Orlando naturally loved solitary places, vast views, and to feel himself for ever and ever and ever alone.
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