I am entirely persuaded that the agitations of the public mind advance its powers, and that at every vibration between the points of liberty and despotism, something will be gained for the former. As men become better informed, their rulers must respect them the more.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that public discourse enhances society's strength and that informed citizens compel their leaders to be more respectful.
Thomas Jefferson's quote emphasizes the importance of public awareness and engagement in a democracy. He argues that as the populace becomes more enlightened, their demands for liberty increase, ultimately pushing society toward more freedom and respect from those in power. This notion points to the idea that ongoing discourse and agitation in society serve as catalysts for positive change, contributing to the evolution of governance towards greater liberty.
In practice
During a discussion on the importance of voting, this quote can highlight the need for an informed electorate.
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.
Only a fool would leave the enjoyment of rainbows to the opticians. Or give the science of optics the last word on the matter.
If you withdraw into yourself, you run the risk of becoming egocentric. And stagnant water becomes putrid.
The bonds that unite another person to our self exist only in our mind.
Nothing exists; even if something exists, nothing can be known about it; and even if something can be known about it, knowledge about it can't be communicated to others.
Without looking through the window, you can see Heaven's Way.
Swift has sailed into his rest; Savage indignation there Cannot lacerate his breast Imitate him if you dare, World-besotted traveler; he Served human liberty.
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