December 12

"Shake off all the fears of servile prejudices...Fix reason firmly in her seat. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear."

Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President, 1801-1809- from a letter to Peter Carr, Jefferson's nephew, from Paris, August 10, 1787.Jefferson congratulates his nephew for studying under George Wythe, Jefferson's professor at the college of William and Mary and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Here Jefferson gives advice to his nephew on the subjects of language, moral philosophy, religion, and gaining life experience through traveling. The underlying theme of the letter seems to advise his nephew to examine both sides of any issue and to formulate his own opinion, no matter what popular opinion may be..."(of)Religion. Your reason is now mature enough to examine this object. In the first place, divest yourself of all bias in favor of novelty & singularity of opinion. Indulge them in any other subject rather than that of religion. It is too important, and the consequences of error may be too serious. On the other hand, shake off all the fears & servile prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear....Do not be frightened from this inquiry by any fear of its consequences. If it ends in a belief that there is no God, you will find incitements to virtue in the comfort and pleasantness you feel in its exercise, and the love of others which it will procure you. If you find reason to believe there is a God, a consciousness that you are acting under his eye, & that he approves you, will be a vast additional incitement."