Politics, like religion, hold up the torches of martyrdom to the reformers of error.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jefferson observes that both politics and religion often glorify reformers who challenge established errors as martyrs.
- In plain terms
- Politics and religion honor those who risk death for their ideas.
- What can you take from it?
- Reformers are often remembered as martyrs in politics and faith.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do societies honor martyrs?
- How does reform begin?
Another view
Not all reformers are honored; many remain ignored or condemned.
More from Thomas Jefferson
Knowing that religion does not furnish grosser bigots than law, I expect little from old judges.
Permalink to quote #59 But though an old man, I am but a young gardener.
Permalink to quote #61 That we are overdone with banking institutions which have banished the precious metals and substituted a more fluctuating and unsafe medium, that these have wi…
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