Loquacious about Liberty
Throughout his life, Jefferson reflected on his concept of liberty as an unalienable right.
“ ...the ground of liberty is to be gained by inches, that we must be contented to secure what we can get from time to time, and eternally press forward for what is yet to get. It takes time to persuade men to do even what is for their own good.”
In a letter regarding the Reverend Clay's political aspirations, Jefferson counseled his friend that advancing the cause of liberty is an ongoing struggle.
“ I would rather be exposed to the inconveniencies attending too much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it.”
In a letter responding to Stuart's desire to amend the Virginia Constitution, Jefferson's advice included a desire that liberty not be inadvertently curtailed by a revision.
“ This ball of liberty, I believe most piously, is now so well in motion that it will roll round the globe, at least the enlightened part of it, for light & liberty go together. It is our glory that we first put it into motion, & our happiness that being foremost we had no bad examples to follow.”
In his remarks to Coxe about the ongoing revolutions in Holland and France, Jefferson predicted the principles of the Declaration of Independence would inspire people around the world to seek liberty through self-government.
Read Jefferson's letter to Coxe
“ The boisterous sea of liberty indeed is never without a wave.”
In a letter updating Lafayette about his personal life and conditions at home and abroad, Jefferson predicted the U.S. would survive the Missouri Crisis.
Read Jefferson's letter to Lafayette
Also read Jefferson's "boisterous sea' letter to Richard Rush