Values Quotes – Thomas Jefferson on Liberty

Todays quote is from Thomas Jefferson, an American Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, and the third President of the United States.

An important quote from Jefferson is:
“When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.”

Jefferson provides an important reminder of what’s required to preserve the value of liberty.

As a differentiating value, Liberty means freedom of choice; autonomy; political independence.

What comes to mind when you think of choice, autonomy or independence?

• Is it the idea that we can do whatever we want, where no authority has the right to stop us?
• Is it the idea that we have the right to make a choice?
• Or is it the idea you even have a choice?

When I think of liberty, I think of the Statute of Liberty, as she stands so tall, holding a torch that lights the path to freedom. But the question is: do we see her as “the government” or as “us” – you and me?

I believe the Statute of Liberty represents each one of us, and not some nebulous government entity.

WE are responsible for carrying the torch, because true liberty is about self-responsibility.

So when Jefferson suggests that liberty is present when a government fears the people, this fear comes from observing a people who are ALL willing to carry that torch of self-responsibility.

 

Today’s value was selected from the “Freedom-Prosperity” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.