Thomas Jefferson Encyclopedia

Sworn upon the altar of god (Quotation)

"for I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."1

Notable References

  • This quote appears under the dome of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC. See Quotations on the Jefferson Memorial.
  • "Hostility Against Tyranny" was the motto of the U.S. Navy submarine USS Thomas Jefferson (SSBN 618/SSN 618).
  • According to Memory Alpha, a wiki about Star Trek, this quote appears on the dedication plaque of the USS Yamato.

Footnotes

  1. Jefferson to Benjamin Rush, September 23, 1800, in PTJ, 32:168. Transcription available at Founders Online.