this institution [University of Virginia] will be based on the illimitable freedom of the human mind. for here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it.

—Thomas Jefferson to William Roscoe, 27 Dec. 1820  {More}

Reason and free enquiry are the only effectual agents against error.

—Thomas Jefferson’s Notes on the State of Virginia, 1782  {More}

Reason and persuasion are the only practicable instruments. To make way for these, free enquiry must be indulged; and how can we wish others to indulge it while we refuse it ourselves.

—Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia  {More}

…in a republican nation whose citizens are to be led by reason and persuasion and not by force, the art of reasoning becomes of first importance.

—Thomas Jefferson to David Harding, 20 Apr. 1824  {More}

. . .man, once surrendering his reason, has no remaining guard against absurdities the most monstrous, and like a ship without rudder is the sport of every wind. with such persons gullability which they call faith takes the helm from the hand of reason and the mind becomes a wreck.

—Thomas Jefferson to James Smith, 8 Dec. 1822  {More}

. . .a government of reason is better than one of force.

—Thomas Jefferson to Richard Rush, 20 Oct. 1820  {More}

the example we have given to the world is single, that of changing the form of our government under the authority of reason only, without bloodshed.

—Thomas Jefferson to Ralph Izard, 17 July 1788  {More}

Error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it.

—From Thomas Jefferson's First Inaugural Address, 4 Mar. 1801  {More}