I was bold in the pursuit of knowledge, never fearing to follow truth and reason to whatever results they led, and bearding every authority which stood in their way.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of being courageous in the search for knowledge and the truth.
Thomas Jefferson advocates for a fearless quest for knowledge and truth, highlighting the necessity of boldness in pursuing understanding, even when it challenges established authorities. He encourages individuals to respond with courage and critical thinking to obstacles they may encounter in their intellectual endeavors.
In practice
During a motivational speech aimed at students, to inspire them to pursue their academic interests.
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.
They that apply themselves to trifling matters commonly become incapable of great ones.
Great is our admiration of the orator who speaks with fluency and discretion.
A great deal of intelligence can be invested in ignorance when the need for illusion is deep.
But when I thought I hit bottom, it started hitting back. There is no bruise like the bruise loneliness kicks into your spine.
As a rule, men worry more about what they can't see than about what they can.
Wherever I sit is the head of the table.
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