The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson

By Subject

DOING GOOD

...I see too many proofs of the imperfection of human reason, to entertain wonder or intolerance at any difference of opinion on any subject; and acquiesce in that difference as easily as on a difference of feature or form; experience having long taught me the reasonableness of mutual sacrifices of opinion among, those who are to act together for any common object, and the expediency of doing what good we can, when we cannot do all we would wish.

to John Randolph, 1 December 1803