All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view. The palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of god. These are grounds of hope for others. For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing human rights and the equality of all individuals.
Thomas Jefferson argues that the enlightenment brought about by science has revealed the inherent rights of all individuals, suggesting that no one is born to serve others as if they were inferior. He expresses hope that awareness of these rights will inspire continued devotion to equality and justice, encouraging a collective memory of our rights as humans.
In practice
In a speech about civil rights, you might use this quote to emphasize the importance of equality for all.
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.
Why go from the individual to the entire race, from the singular to the group, from the guilty to the innocent? We know why. That is how racism works. That is racism in action.
That religion which costs a man nothing is usually worth nothing.
Guns go home with the soldiers, but landmines are designed to kill - mindlessly, out of control, for years.
The audience is the best judge of anything. They cannot be lied to. Truth brings them closer. A moment that lags - they're gonna cough.
Life is like an eternal dance. The movements of the dance are choreographed through your awareness.
He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.
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