"All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent"

This quote by Thomas Jefferson is a warning about the power of tyranny and the importance of speaking out versus it. He is stating that if people of excellent conscience remain quiet, then tyranny will have the ability to get a foothold and take control. This is due to the fact that those in power will be able to take advantage of the silence of the people and utilize it to their own advantage. By staying quiet, individuals are essentially permitting tyranny to take control and oppress them. Jefferson is stressing the value of speaking out against tyranny and injustice, and not allowing it to take hold. He is stating that if individuals of excellent conscience remain quiet, then tyranny will be able to acquire a grip and take control. This is why it is so essential to speak out against oppression and oppression, and to not permit tyranny to take hold.