"Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty"

This quote by Thomas Jefferson talks with the idea that some people are much more comfortable with a system of government that is ruled by a single leader, or a despot, than with a system of government that is based upon the principles of liberty and also freedom. Jefferson is suggesting that some individuals are so scared of modification and unpredictability that they would rather live in a society where their legal rights and liberties are restricted as well as their lives are managed by a solitary leader than to reside in a culture where they have the flexibility to make their very own choices as well as take dangers. He is implying that these people are as well timid to make use of the possibilities that feature living in a totally free society, and also instead favor the security as well as safety and security of a despotism. Jefferson is alerting us that if we are not cautious, we may be lured to give up our flexibility in exchange for the incorrect security of a despotism.