Quote by Thomas Jefferson

What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree

Summary

This quote, attributed to Thomas Jefferson, suggests that the value of individual lives in a society can be overshadowed by the greater importance of preserving freedom and preventing tyranny. Jefferson argues that occasional sacrifices, even if it means the loss of lives, are necessary for the maintenance of liberty. The metaphor of the "tree of liberty" being nourished by the blood shed by both patriots and tyrants emphasizes the belief that uprisings and revolutions are vital for the revitalization and growth of a nation's freedom.

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Martyrdom Martyr

By Thomas Jefferson

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