And even should the cloud of barbarism and despotism again obscure the science and liberties of Europe, this country remains to preserve and restore light and liberty to them. In short, the flames kindled on the fourth of July, 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them.

Thomas Jefferson

Letter to John Adams, 1821

More information about this quote

Topic

Declaration of Independence Spread of freedom and democracy

Author

Thomas Jefferson

Source

Letter to John Adams, 1821 Letters of Thomas Jefferson

Medium

Letter

Language

English

Time

1821 1820s 19th century

Occupation

Founding Father American President National leader Politician

From

United States

Authentication Score 3

Original Citation

Jefferson, Thomas. Letter to John Adams. 12 Sept. 1821.

Current Citation

Jefferson, Thomas. "John Adams, Sept. 12, 1821." The Life and Selected Writings of Thomas Jefferson, edited by Adrienne Koch and William Peden. Modern Library, 1998.

Illustrated Quote

A quote by Thomas Jefferson about declaration of independence: “And even should the cloud of barbarism and despotism…”
Download
A quote by Thomas Jefferson about declaration of independence: “And even should the cloud of barbarism and despotism…”
Download
A quote by Thomas Jefferson about declaration of independence: “And even should the cloud of barbarism and despotism…”
Download

Related Quotes

Below are one or more quotes that share at least one tag with the quote at the top of the page

Another quote by Thomas Jefferson

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

Thomas Jefferson

Read this letter at the National Archives website
More information about this quote
Topic
Freedom Political violence

Author

Thomas Jefferson
Medium
Letter
Statement Type
Metaphor, analogy and simile
Language
English
Time
1787 1780s 18th century
Era
American Revolutionary Period
Authentication Score 3
Original Citation

Jefferson, Thomas. Letter to William Stephens Smith. 13 Nov. 1787.

Current Citation

Jefferson, Thomas. "Col. Smith, Nov. 13, 1787." The Life and Selected Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Including the Autobiography, The Declaration of Independence & His Public and Private Letters, edited by Adrienne Koch and William Peden. Modern Library, 1998.

Another quote from the 1820s

There are seasons, in human affairs, of inward and outward revolution, when new depths seem to be broken up in the soul, when new wants are unfolded in multitudes, and a new and undefined good is thirsted for. These are periods when... To dare is the highest wisdom.

William Ellery Channing

More information about this quote
Topic
Seasons of life Inflection points
Speaker
William Ellery Channing
Medium
Speech
Language
English
Time
1829 1820s 19th century
Authentication Score 3
Citation

Channing, William Ellery. "The Union." May 1829, Boston, MA, USA. Speech.