Integrity

> "I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man." --Thomas Jefferson*

> Error is the stuff of which the web of life is woven, and he who lives longest and wisest is only able to weave out the more of it." --Thomas Jefferson to F. J. de Chastellux, n.d. ME 18:414 "There is more honor and magnanimity in correcting, than persevering in an error." --Thomas Jefferson: Batture at New Orleans, 1812. ME 18:123

> If [free enquiry] be restrained now, the present corruptions will be protected, and new ones encouraged." --Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Virginia Q.XVII, 1782. ME 2:221v

> In a free society with a government based on reason, it is inevitable that there will be no uniform opinion about important issues. Those accustomed to suppression and control by governmental authority see this as leading only to chaos. But a government of the people requires difference of opinion in order to discover truth and to take advantage of the opportunity that only understanding brings.

> "Difference of opinion leads to enquiry, and enquiry to truth; and that, I am sure, is the ultimate and sincere object of us both. We both value too much the freedom of opinion sanctioned by our Constitution, not to cherish its exercise even where in opposition to ourselves." --Thomas Jefferson to P. H. Wendover, 1815. ME 14:283

> "Nothing but good can result from an exchange of information and opinions between those whose circumstances and morals admit no doubt of the integrity of their views." --Thomas Jefferson to Elbridge Gerry, 1797. ME 9:385

> "Truth between candid minds can never do harm." --Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 1791. ME 8:212

> "To those whose views are single and direct, it is a great comfort to have to do business with frank and honorable minds." --Thomas Jefferson to Valentine de Foronda, 1809. ME 12:319

> "Men, according to their constitutions and the circumstances in which they are placed, differ honestly in opinion. Some are whigs, liberals, democrats, call them what you please. Others are tories, serviles, aristocrats, etc." --Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 1825. ME 16:96

> "In every country where man is free to think and to speak, differences of opinion will arise from difference of perception, and the imperfection of reason; but these differences when permitted, as in this happy country, to purify themselves by free discussion, are but as passing clouds overspreading our land transiently and leaving our horizon more bright and serene." --Thomas Jefferson to Benjamin Waring, 1801. ME 10:235