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Thomas Jefferson was more than a founding father.
Jefferson was philosopher, scientist, observer, academic, scholar, and much, much more. Thomas Jefferson, who gave us the first ten amendments of the U.S Constitution, firmly believed in republican democracy. Here is what Thomas Jefferson was not: dogmatic. He showed respect to those with whom he disagreed. As to what Thomas Jefferson believed, and as to how we believe it should guide modern American conservatives, we will let Thomas Jefferson speak for himself:
“Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there is one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear.” –Thomas Jefferson to Peter Carr, 1787.
“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.
“Truth and reason are eternal. They have prevailed. And they will eternally prevail; however, in times and places they may be overborne for a while by violence, military, civil, or ecclesiastical.” –Thomas Jefferson to Rev. Samuel Knox, 1810.
“Difference of opinion leads to enquiry, and enquiry to truth; and I am sure…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.