In 2006, John Kerry defended his opposition to the war in Iraq by quoting Thomas Jefferson. “This is not the first time in American history when patriotism has been distorted to deflect criticism and mislead the nation,” Kerry said. “No wonder Thomas Jefferson himself said: ‘Dissent is the greatest form of patriotism.’”
But Thomas Jefferson never actually made that statement. Jefferson did, however, believe in the vital importance of reason and free inquiry. In his Notes on Virginia, he said:
“Reason and free inquiry are the only effectual agents against error… They are the natural enemies of error, and of error only… It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself… is uniformity of opinion desirable? No more than of face and stature.”
Dissent alone is not the greatest form of patriotism. But dissent, when based upon reason, can bring us closer to the truth.
Patrick Henry, in his famous “Give Me Liberty of Death” speech, explained that debate and discussion help us find truth:
“For my own part I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country.”
Of course, debate does not necessarily help us find truth. In fact, as we listen to pundits with opposing viewpoints arguing on TV or radio, it seems like no amount of discussion or debate ever brings them closer to an agreement. And our culture today seems to value assertiveness over humble inquiry. We are increasingly reluctant to consider the possibility that we might not always be right.
In order for discussion to bring us closer to truth, we must have the desire to seek truth. If truth is our main goal, then we will not be disturbed by dissenting opinions.
The quest for truth can be frightening. It means confronting tough questions. It means following a journey which may lead to strange places. It means we can’t be completely dependent on others for our knowledge.
To seek for truth implies that there is a truth to be found. Today, there are those who would say that there is no absolute truth. But if there is no truth, then what purpose is there for discussion and debate?
I believe that for the Founding Fathers, political matters were inseparable from spiritual matters. The Constitution was designed to protect those natural rights endowed to man by the Creator. Our early leaders regarded the Constitution as a miracle, inspired by God.
But they certainly did not agree or claim to understand all things spiritual. Thomas Jefferson himself wrote in a 1787 letter to Peter Carr:
“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.”
Jefferson’s spiritual journey took him to a unique place. He questioned many of the religious norms of the day. But his goal was to find truth. I believe that among the liberty movement today, a great divide is forming. There are those who seek freedom so that they may not be bound by any restriction. There are others who seek a truth centered liberty and are willing to submit to the true principles that they discover.
I am hopeful that by coming together and engaging in healthy debate, Americans will be able to find truth. They will be able to take positive actions which will help preserve and uphold the Constitution. I conclude with another quote from Jefferson (from an 1801 letter to Benjamin Waring):
“In every country where man is free to think and to speak, differences of opinion will arise from differences of perception, and the imperfection of reason; but these differences when permitted, as in this happy country, to purify themselves by free discussions, are but passing clouds overspreading our land transiently, and leaving our horizon more bright and serene. That love of order and obedience to the laws, which so remarkably characterize the citizens of the United States, are sure pledges of internal tranquillity; and the elective franchise, if guarded as the act of our safety, will peaceably dissipate all combinations to subvert a Constitution dictated by the wisdom, and resting on the will of the people.”
