Thomas Jefferson Quote

"And, finally, that truth is great and will prevail if left to herself;
that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and
has nothing to fear from the conflict unless by human interposition
disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate,
errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them."

by:	Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), US Founding Father, drafted the Declaration of Independence, 3rd US President
Source:	The Virginia Act For Establishing Religious Freedom, 1786 http://religiousfreedom.lib.virginia.edu/sacred/vaact.html
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Categories:	Fear, Free Thought, President, Reason, Religion, Speech, Truth
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-- Waffler, Smith, Arkansas
As it has been said, "The truth will out". Let's just hope it "outs" before, not after the Socialists have taken complete control of the country.  -- jim k, austin
Free debate without human interposition must be allowed for truth to prevail. That of course is the point of various interests trying to impose speech codes on everyone and making certain topics off limits. "Why, that was a racist attack"...."the science is settled"....or simply shout down your opponent or throw a pie in his face: those are the tactics of people who are on the wrong side of truth. If honest people allow them to succeed with these tactics, truth will not prevail.  -- Ken, Allyn, WA
The reason people lie is because the price of the truth seems too much to bear -- or the profit is too much to resist. When the truth conflicts with our desires we either have to suffer from 'unfullfilment' or deny unpleasant truths thus ensuring an illusory world. Eventually we stumble and our house of cards collapses. (Don't worry -- we usually start immediately putting it back together -- pay no attention to the man behind the curtain...)  -- E Archer, NYC
I like Jefferson's equating truth to 'her'. In most ancient religions, truth was referred to in the feminine and represented in the heart. Other than that, I still like it.  -- Mike, Norwalk
Will end with the fairness doctrine.  -- warren, olathe
Will somebody please expound to me, What, "truth" is. In all it's facets. I really would like to "know". Seeing it makes man Free.   -- Ronw13, ID
MAGA to KAG, never forget WWG1WGA, just saying.   -- Ronw13, ID
The truth is always present.  We must develop the skills of discernment to see it, understand it, be in harmony with it. No one can give you the answer to a question you are not asking — the answer has nowhere to rest. The truth is best revealed by removing the veils — that which is untrue must be identified for what it is. It begins by recognizing the lies one tells oneself.  There is a "come to Jesus" moment when we 'fess up' with a cathartic release, and the clouds disappear and the Sun shines. Telling the truth, being honest, being authentic, not putting on the act to get along — that's how to go forward into the brave new world of REALITY.  The truth makes itself known, when you are ready.  Until then, the world awaits your answer to the question "Why am I here?"  -- E Archer, NYC      1
The truth is absolutely wonderful and great. The problem I have with this quote is the reference to weaponry. We humans are scientific and artists promoters and practitioners. We refer to our instruments as tools and mechanical devices(words and other labor saving devices) to free us of the confines of the death forces.    -- Fredrick William Sillik, Anytown

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