We prefer war in all cases to tribute under any form and to any people whatever.
Interpretation
Jefferson advocates for maintaining freedom and autonomy over submission or tribute to external powers.
This quote reflects Thomas Jefferson's strong belief in the importance of national sovereignty and independence. By stating that he would prefer war over paying tribute, Jefferson emphasizes the idea that a nation should not compromise its freedom or self-determination, even in the face of conflict, rather than bowing to another power's demands. It highlights a fundamental principle of standing against oppression and valuing liberty above all.
In practice
In a discussion about national pride, one might reference Jefferson's quote to support the idea of standing firm against oppression.
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
βWe 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.
Hell is the backdrop that reveals the profound and unbelievable grace of the cross. It brings to light the enormity of our sin and therefore portrays the undeserved favor of God in full color.
Our actions are like ships which we may watch set out to sea, and not know when or with what cargo they will return to port.
Life on Earth is at the ever-increasing risk of being wiped out by a disaster, such as sudden global nuclear war, a genetically engineered virus or other dangers we have not yet thought of.
Truth would quickly cease to be stranger than fiction, once we got as used to it.
Peace is the only battle worth waging.
You may readily judge whether you are a child of God or a hypocrite by seeing in what direction your soul turns in seasons of severe trial. The hypocrite flies to the world and finds a sort of comfort there. But the child of God runs to his Father and expects consolation only from the Lord's hand.
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