Thomas Jefferson
“I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”
Thomas Jefferson, letter to Benjamin Rush, September 23, 1800
Documented source
Attribution
Thomas Jefferson
Source
Thomas Jefferson, letter to Benjamin Rush, September 23, 1800
In full
“I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.”
Status
Public domain in the United States
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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 Not for publication, weeks before a bitterly contested election.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.
Objects carrying this line
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