Quote by Thomas Jefferson

The care of every man's soul belongs to himself. But what if he neglect the care of it? Well what if he neglect the care of his health or his estate, which would more nearly relate to the state. Will the magistrate make a law that he not be poor or sick? Laws provide against injury from others; but not from ourselves. God himself will not save men against their wills.

The care of every man's soul belongs to himself. But what if

Summary

This quote emphasizes the individual responsibility for the well-being of one's own soul. It questions the idea of external authorities intervening in matters of personal neglect. Drawing parallels to physical health and material wealth, it suggests that just as the government does not create laws to prevent individuals from becoming poor or sick, it is also not the responsibility of external forces, including religious or divine entities, to save individuals against their own will. Ultimately, the message is that the care and preservation of one's own soul rest solely upon the individual.

Topics

Soul

By Thomas Jefferson

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