Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of reason and critical thinking over blind faith or fear.
In this quote, Thomas Jefferson advocates for the importance of using reason as a guiding principle in life. He encourages individuals to question everything, even the existence of God, arguing that a true deity would value rational thought over subservience rooted in fear. Jefferson's call for bold inquiry is a challenge to accept beliefs without scrutiny and underlines the assertion that reason should lead our understanding of the world.
In practice
This quote could be used in a discussion about the importance of scientific inquiry in education.
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.
I want to escape from myself. For when I do start up and stare myself seedily in the face, as happens to be my case at present, my blankness is inconceivable--indescribable--my misery amazing.
In spite of my surroundings, of my education, I had no love for God.
We regard God as an airman regards his parachute; it's there for emergencies but he hopes he'll never have to use it.
In the end, we are our choices.
Granny Weatherwaz was a witch. That was quite acceptable in the Ramtops, and no one had a bad word to say about witches. At least, not if he wanted to wake up in the morning the same shape as he went to bed.
It's very difficult to convince other countries that they shouldn't pursue nuclear weapons programs if we ourselves are actively developing a component of a strategic defense system.
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