In every country and in every age, the priest has been hostile to liberty.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that throughout history, religious leaders have often opposed the concept of freedom.
Thomas Jefferson's assertion implies that in all societies and historical periods, religious authorities have frequently been antagonistic towards liberty. This opposition can stem from a desire to maintain control over the population, as the pursuit of personal freedom often conflicts with institutional power. Jefferson highlights a recurring theme in human history, pointing towards the tension between religious governance and individual rights.
In practice
In a discussion about the impact of religion on politics, this quote can highlight issues of freedom.
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.
Better to sleep in an uncomfortable bed free, than sleep in a comfortable bed unfree.
Gender is not an easy conversation to have. It makes people uncomfortable, sometimes even irritable. Both men and women are resistant to talk about gender or are quick to dismiss the problems of gender. Because thinking of changing the status quo is always uncomfortable.
Science fiction is very well suited to asking philosophical questions; questions about the nature of reality, what it means to be human, how do we know the things that we think we know.
Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged.
Disbelief in futurity loosens in a great measure the ties of morality, and may be for that reason pernicious to the peace of civil society.
A virgin can conceive. A dead body can walk again. Your leprosy can be cured. The blind can see. Nonsense. Itβs not moral to lie to children. Itβs not moral to lie to ignorant, uneducated people and tell them that if they only would believe nonsense, they can be saved. Itβs immoral.
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