"Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor - over each other"
- Thomas Jefferson
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas Jefferson recommends that having different opinions in faith is beneficial. He is stating that the numerous spiritual sects act as a type of censorship, keeping each other in check. This indicates that having various viewpoints in religious beliefs can assist to ensure that nobody group has too much power or impact. It also suggests that having different opinions can assist to ensure that faiths remain open to debate and conversation. By having various opinions, individuals can challenge each other's beliefs and pertain to a much better understanding of the world. This quote likewise indicates that having different viewpoints can assist to create a more tolerant and accepting society. By having different opinions, people can find out to regard and appreciate each other's beliefs, even if they don't concur with them. Ultimately, this quote suggests that having different opinions in religious beliefs can be helpful and can assist to develop a more harmonious society.
"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite"
"Art is exalted above religion and race. Not a single solitary soul these days believes in the religions of the Assyrians, the Egyptians and the Greeks... Only their art, whenever it was beautiful, stands proud and exalted, rising above all time"
"Women are oppressed in the east, in the west, in the south, in the north. Women are oppressed inside, outside home, a woman is oppressed in religion, she is oppressed outside religion"
"All religions have based morality on obedience, that is to say, on voluntary slavery. That is why they have always been more pernicious than any political organization. For the latter makes use of violence, the former - of the corruption of the will"
