In every country where man is free to think and to speak, difference of opinion will arise from difference of perception, and the imperfection of reason; but these differences, when permitted, as in this happy country, to purify themselves by free discussion, are but as passing clouds overspreading our land transiently, and leaving our horizon more bright and serene.
Thomas JeffersonShould things go wrong at any time, the people will set them to rights by the peaceable exercise of their elective rights.
Thomas JeffersonNo government can continue good but under the control of the people; and . . . . their minds are to be informed by education what is right and what wrong; to be encouraged in habits of virtue and to be deterred from those of vice . . . . These are the inculcations necessary to render the people a sure basis for the structure and order of government.
Thomas JeffersonError indeed has often prevailed by the assistance of power or force. Truth is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error.
Thomas Jefferson