Quote by Thomas Jefferson

History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden people maintaining a free civil government. This marks the lowest grade of ignorance of which their civil as well as religious leaders will always avail themselves for their own purposes [Letter to von Humboldt, 1813].

History, I believe, furnishes no example of a priest-ridden

Summary

This quote suggests that a society controlled by religious leaders or priests will struggle to maintain a free civil government. The author argues that such a situation demonstrates ignorance, which is often exploited by both the religious and civil leaders for their own benefit. History, according to the author, provides no instance where a populace under the influence of priests has successfully upheld a government that is both free and independent. The quote serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential dangers of religious dominance in governance.

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By Thomas Jefferson

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