Certain teachings in the Bible are as diamonds in a dung-heap.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that while there may be valuable insights in religious texts, they can often be overshadowed by flawed or undesirable elements.
Thomas Jefferson's quote reflects a critical perspective on religious teachings, implying that amidst various doctrines and beliefs, there are profound truths akin to precious diamonds. However, these truths can be difficult to appreciate fully due to the surrounding confusion or misguided teachings that he metaphorically refers to as a 'dung-heap'. This highlights a philosophical approach that values discernment and the search for wisdom within larger, more complex systems of thought.
In practice
In a speech about reform in religious education, this quote can highlight the need for discernment.
The firmness with which the (American) people have withstood the... abuses of the press, the discernment they have manifested between truth and falsehood, show that they may safely be trusted to hear everything true and false and to form a correct judgment between them.
I, place economy among the first & most important republican virtues, & public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared
We must make our choice between economy and liberty or confusion and servitude...If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labor and in our amusements...if we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.
Very many and very meritorious were the worthy patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting vigilance.
A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
As soon as questions of will or decision or reason or choice of action arise, human science is at a loss.
We're all going to die, all of us, what a circus!
About 80 percent of the stuff I live with is old. I like letting things take on the character they’re meant to have by really being used. … when you own things that have the imperfections they deserve, that they’ve earned from a well-lived life, it frees you from feeling as though they’re untouchable.
In my opinion, the most fruitful and natural play of the mind is conversation. I find it sweeter than any other action in life; and if I were forced to choose, I think I would rather lose my sight than my hearing and voice. The study of books is a drowsy and feeble exercise which does not warm you up.
From these prejudices there arises conflict, transient joys and suffering. But we are unconscious of this, unconscious that we are slaves to certain forms of tradition, to social and political environment, to false values.
The next time you experience a blackout, take some solace by looking at the sky. You will not recognize it.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.