"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 blind-folded fear. "
Thomas Jefferson
Fear is what drives the most discontent, confidence-lacking, and bitter among us. My brother defined the concept as "thinking everyone wants what I have and everyone wants what I might get." Profound, is it not? EVERY day of my life I see this overtly exhibited, and at least in my walk, the more conservative and "religious" the person, the more rabid the defense...hence my opening quotation by Thomas Jefferson. Coincidental the correlation? Not really with regard to TJ.
Last year I visited Monticello. Not being up to date with my Jeffersonian history, I brushed up in anticipation of my homage to Charlottesville. Jefferson was a controversial figure to say the least, and continues to be so today if you truly delve into what he was, what he stood for, and those things upon which he was conflicted.
He was opposed to slavery yet he chose not to free his own. He is aligned with Christianity, even though he was adamant in his belief in Deism.
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