Why Thomas Jefferson's Famous Quote Still Resonates
There are some quotes that seem to transcend their own times. The words still resonate after hundreds of years. One of the longest lasting examples is from Thomas Jefferson:
"I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny."
It is a declaration that doesn't need any justification to make an impact. It does not shout or antagonize; it is simply a shirt or hoodie that is printed. It just conveys the idea of freedom and opposition to tyranny. It still resonates over 200 years later from the pen of Jefferson.
Who Was Thomas Jefferson?
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) is one of the pivotal figures of the birth of the United States. His principal authorship of the Declaration of Independence, which declared the American colonies independent of Britain, is what he is best known for. He was later to become the third President of the United States.
Jefferson had many interests besides politics. An avid reader, student of languages, architect, inventor and founder of the University of Virginia. But one thing was always of great concern to him, all through his life, and that was the danger of centralized power to individual freedom.
The source of the quotation.
The words are from a letter written by Jefferson to Dr. Benjamin Rush in September 1800. Partisanism was strong, and arguments over freedom of speech, religion and government authority were molding the new nation.
In Jefferson's original wording, the quote pertains to "every form of tyranny over the mind of man. He was saying this because he believed that no political, religious or social authority has the right to decide what an individual is allowed to think or believe.
In that context, the quotation becomes less of a political statement and more of an accurate reflection of what was actually occurring. It's a protection of the freedom of thought itself.
Why the Message Endures
Tyranny often does not show up in the obvious manner. It doesn't have to come as a monarch or an authoritarian government. Can arise at any time when individuals are discouraged from questioning, debating, or thinking independently.
Why Jefferson's words still ring true. They're fundamentally based on a notion that is still cherished: that people can make their own choices and that they can make their own decisions.
Throughout political parties and party affiliations, as well as in terms of personal histories, many people can value the importance of preserving intellectual independence and resisting undue control.
Wear a statement and see how much impact it can have.
Not all messages call for yelling. Sometimes the best you can do is some carefully crafted language rather than a long argument.
Putting a historical quote on your clothing is a subtle approach to a personal value or belief. It does not dictate what others should think, but rather it leads to thinking. Some people will know the quote at once, others will be motivated to find out how to better understand it.
This subtle effect is one that makes the statement timeless.
Find the Jefferson Quote at Expressionize
This quote by Jefferson is featured on a number of items at Expressionize, as well as other famous quotes from historical figures.
To see the entire collection, just type "Jefferson" into the search bar of the Expressionize website.
Printing that is of high quality and has a lower impact on the environment.
Every design is designed with Direct-to-Garment (DTG) printing which involves printing the artwork on to the garment. The outcome is a print that is sharp, well-colored, and has a soft finish, blending seamlessly with the fabric.
Print on demand is also true for Expressionize. They are only made upon order, not in bulk and stacked for inventory.
This balance of quality, value and more sustainable manufacturing process is the result.
Wear this piece of clothing and let it stand the test of time!
A number of words are attached to a specific period in time. Others transcend it.
The “eternal hostility against every form of tyranny” is one of Jefferson's most famous statements of opposition to tyranny and assertion of personal liberty. The message has seemed to resonate for over 200 years, whether it is for principle, historical appreciation or for being a powerful quotation.
Visit Jefferson at Expressionize and find an ever-abiding lesson on the importance of freedom and independent thought.
Shop the collection: Political Quote T-Shirts