But would the honest patriot, in the full tide of successful experiment, abandon a government which has so far kept us free and firm, on the theocratic and visionary fear that this government, the world's best hope, may by possibility want energy to preserve itself?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jefferson questions whether patriots should abandon a successful government due to theoretical fears about its energy.
- In plain terms
- Don't give up a working government just because you worry it might lack strength.
- What can you take from it?
- Practical success outweighs theoretical fears.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When is it right to change a system?
- How do you weigh risk?
Another view
Sometimes fears about government energy are valid and warrant change.
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