Not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of .. . but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take.

Thomas Jefferson
About This Quote

This quote reminds us that our duty is not to find out new principles, or new arguments. If we do so, we will have to start from scratch. What we are called upon to do is to place before mankind the common sense of the subject in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent. The duty of the philosopher is then to defend his position on the same principle on which he would plead it if he were called upon to defend it in a court of law.

Source: The Declaration Of Independence

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