To me... it appears that there have been differences of opinion and party differences, from the first establishment of government to the present day, and on the same question which now divides our own country; that these will continue through all future time; that every one takes his side in favor of the many, or of the few, according to his constitution, and the circumstances in which he is placed.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the ongoing divisions in society and politics, suggesting that differing opinions are a constant in human governance.
Thomas Jefferson's observation highlights the inherent divisions within human society, which stem from individual perspectives shaped by personal circumstances and the prevailing social context. He suggests that throughout history, disagreements about governance and societal organization will persist, with individuals aligning themselves with either majority or minority viewpoints based on their inherent beliefs and situational influences. This reflects a deep understanding of the nature of political discourse and human relationships.
In practice
In a political debate, one might quote Jefferson to highlight the persistent divides in political opinion.
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.
Soft-brained people, weak-minded, chicken-hearted , cannot find the truth. One has to be free, and as broad as the sky.
We keep passing unseen through little moments of other people's lives.
But mostly they were lies I told; it wasn't my fault, I couldn't remember, because it was as though I'd been to one of those supernatural castles visited by characters in legends: once away, you do not remember, all that is left is the ghostly echo of haunting wonder.
When a hundred men stand together, each of them loses his mind and gets another one.
The Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life's different stresses. Our duty is not to abandon ship, but to keep her on her course.
Doctors will have more lives to answer for in the next world than even we generals.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.