Quotes

When writing Letters To The Editor (LTE's) or talking with people, adding a quote from a traditional authority may help reframe our views from"disloyal extremist" to "conservative defender of the Constitution."

Here is a list of relevant quotes and a brief description of what each of their authors was famous for:

Information is the currency of democracy.
Thomas Jefferson, writer of the U.S. Constitution and President

We are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead.
Thomas Jefferson, writer of the U.S. Constitution and President

He is less remote from the truth who believes nothing than he who believes what is wrong.
Thomas Jefferson, writer of the U.S. Constitution and President

The truth is found when men are free to pursue it.
Thomas Jefferson, writer of the U.S. Constitution and President

Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passions, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.
John Adams, contributor to the Declaration of Independence and President

Fear not the path of truth for the lack of people walking on it.
John F. Kennedy, President

The truth shall make you free.
John 8:32

Science is the search for truth -- it is not a game in which one tries to beat his opponent, to do harm to others.
Linus Pauling, chemist, winner of two Nobel Prizes

Truth may sometimes be improbable.
Nicholas Boileau-Despreaux, French writer

The spirit of truth and the spirit of freedom -- they are the pillars of society.
Henrik Ibsen, Norwegian playwright

Ridicule is the best test of truth.
Philip Dormer Stanhope, Lord Chesterfield, British statesman

Truth is the basis of moral authority.
Henri-Frederic Amiel, Swiss poet and philosopher

As scarce as truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand.
Josh Billings, humorist

Time discovers truth.
Seneca, Roman philosopher

We seek the truth, and will endure the consequences.
Charles Seymour, president of Yale University

In a democratic society like ours, relief must come through an aroused popular conscience that sears the conscience of the people's representatives.
Felix Frankfurter, Supreme Court justice

Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.
James Madison, contributor to the Constitution and President

We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth.
Patrick Henry, leader in the American Revolution

For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
Patrick Henry, leader in the American Revolution

The entire passage from which the above is taken: It is natural for man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.
Patrick Henry, leader in the American Revolution