Lay down true principles and adhere to them inflexibly. Do not be frightened into their surrender by the alarms of the timid, or the croakings of wealth against the ascendency of the people.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jefferson urges adherence to true principles despite fear from the timid or wealthy.
- In plain terms
- Stick to your principles no matter what the scared or rich people say.
- What can you take from it?
- True principles require inflexible commitment regardless of opposition.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Which principles will you not surrender?
- Who opposes your values?
Another view
Rigid adherence can ignore valid concerns or lead to inflexible policies.
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