I am an Epicurean. I consider the genuine (not the imputed) doctrines of Epicurus as containing everything rational in moral philosophy which Greece and Rome have left us.
Interpretation
Jefferson expresses his admiration for Epicurean philosophy, valuing rational moral teachings from Greece and Rome.
In this quote, Thomas Jefferson identifies himself as an Epicurean, emphasizing his belief that the authentic teachings of Epicurus represent the pinnacle of moral philosophy handed down from ancient Greece and Rome. He indicates a strong appreciation for the rational and thoughtful approach to ethics and happiness that Epicurus advocated, suggesting that these ideas are essential for understanding morality and leading a fulfilling life.
In practice
Using this quote in a philosophy class discussion on ancient moral teachings.
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.
If we have no heretics we must invent them, for heresy is essential to health and growth.
Progress without the reasoned freedom to think and act is regression to slavery.
He who looks sinward has his back to God-he who looks Godward has his back to sin.
The same stream of life that runs through the world runs through my veins night and day.
The statesmen will invent cheap lies, putting the blame upon the nation that is attacked, and every man will be glad of those conscience-soothing falsities, and will diligently study them, and refuse to examine any refutations of them; and thus he will by and by convince himself that the war is just, and will thank God for the better sleep he enjoys after this process of grotesque self-deception.
We have used the Bible as if it was a mere special constable's handbook β an opium-dose for keeping beasts of burden patient while they were being overloaded β a mere book to keep the poor in order.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.