Thomas Jefferson Quote About Freedom And Safety
Introduction
Thomas Jefferson was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. One of his most famous quotes is about the balance between freedom and safety. This quote is still relevant today, as it speaks to the ongoing debate about how much freedom we should be willing to give up in the name of safety.
The Quote
The quote in question is often paraphrased as "Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." However, the original quote is slightly different. It comes from a letter Jefferson wrote to a friend in 1755, when he was just 21 years old. The full quote reads:
"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves. The people who surrender freedom for security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one."
The Meaning
What does this quote mean? Essentially, Jefferson is arguing that people who are willing to sacrifice their freedom in order to feel safer are making a mistake. Giving up essential liberties may provide temporary relief, but it ultimately leads to tyranny and the loss of both freedom and safety. Jefferson believed that a free society was the best way to ensure both individual liberty and collective security.
Contemporary Relevance
Jefferson's quote is still relevant today, as governments around the world continue to grapple with issues of privacy and security. For example, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, the US government passed the Patriot Act, which gave law enforcement agencies sweeping powers to investigate and detain suspected terrorists. Some people have argued that the act goes too far and infringes on civil liberties, while others believe that it is necessary in order to protect national security.
Conclusion
Thomas Jefferson's quote about freedom and safety is a powerful reminder of the importance of individual liberty in a free society. While it can be tempting to give up some of our freedoms in order to feel safer, Jefferson believed that this was a dangerous path to take. In order to maintain both freedom and security, we must find a balance between the two that respects the rights of individuals while also protecting the common good.