Welcome to Values Quotes.
I'm Robert Ferguson.
Todays quote is from Thomas Jefferson, an
American Founding Father, the principal author
of the Declaration of Independence, and the
third President of the United States.
An important quote from Jefferson is:
"When the people fear the government, there
is tyranny.
When the government fears the people, there
is liberty."
Jefferson provides an important reminder of
what's required to preserve the value of liberty.
As a differentiating value, Liberty means
freedom of choice; autonomy; political independence.
What comes to mind when you think of choice,
autonomy or independence?
Is it the idea that we can do whatever we
want, where no authority has the right to
stop us?
Is it the idea that we have the right to make
a choice?
Or is it the idea you even have a choice?
When I think of liberty, I think of the Statute
of Liberty, as she stands so tall, holding
a torch that lights the path to freedom.
But the question is: do we see her as "the
government" or as "us" -- you and me?
I believe the Statute of Liberty represents
each one of us, and not some nebulous government
entity.
WE are responsible for carrying the torch,
because true liberty is about self-responsibility.
So when Jefferson suggests that liberty is
present when a government fears the people,
this fear comes from observing a people who
are ALL willing to carry that torch of self-responsibility.
