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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

  • media consumption
  • news literacy

Putting it to work

  • verify sources
  • critique media

Questions to consider

  • Can we trust any news?
  • Why is media distrusted?

Another view

This view ignores reputable journalism.

More from Thomas Jefferson

  1. 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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  2. Blest is that nation whose silent course of happiness furnishes nothing for history to say.

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  3. The Constitution . . . meant that its coordinate branches should be checks on each other. But the opinion which gives to the judges the right to decide what la…

    Permalink to quote #49

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