"In defense of our persons and properties under actual violation, we took up arms. When that violence shall be removed, when hostilities shall cease on the part of the aggressors, hostilities shall cease on our part also"
- Thomas Jefferson
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas Jefferson speaks to the right of self-defense. He is saying that when our individuals and residential or commercial properties are under attack, we can take up arms in defense. However, once the violence and hostilities stop on the part of the assailants, we should also cease our hostilities. This quote speaks with the idea of self-defense and the need to secure ourselves and our residential or commercial property, however likewise to the idea of peace and the need to end violence and hostilities. Jefferson is saying that we should want to defend ourselves, however likewise to end the violence and hostilities when the assailants do. This quote is a pointer that we need to want to safeguard ourselves, but also to look for peace and end violence when possible.
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