Thomas Jefferson
“I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”
letter to Benjamin Rush, September 23, 1800
Documented source
Source
Thomas Jefferson, letter to Benjamin Rush, September 23, 1800
Context
Written privately, weeks before the contested 1800 presidential election
Wording
Exact
Every quote here is traced to a documented source. How we verify →
About this line
Jefferson wrote it privately to his friend Benjamin Rush — physician, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and one of the few men Jefferson trusted completely. Not for publication, weeks before a bitterly contested election. Which means he wasn’t performing. He meant every word.
Why we carry this line
Jefferson swore it in a private letter, so there was no audience to play to. That makes it even better. Perfect homage to our founding fathers.
