Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jefferson expresses deep distrust of newspapers, suggesting that even truth becomes suspect when published in them.
- In plain terms
- Newspapers are so unreliable that truth itself seems doubtful.
- What can you take from it?
- Approach news with skepticism.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can we trust any news?
- Why is media distrusted?
Another view
This view ignores reputable journalism.
More from Thomas Jefferson
Whensoever hostile aggressions...require a resort to war, we must meet our duty and convince the world that we are just friends and brave enemies.
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