Thomas Jefferson: Informed Democracy
on Saturday, September 8, 2012Thomas Jefferson Money Quote saying without knowledge, transparency and full disclosure, we are not free and cannot afford to increase the wealth of knowledge. Thomas Jefferson said:
“Information is the currency of democracy” — Thomas Jefferson
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This quote suggests that Thomas Jefferson saw access to information as important for democracy to function properly. He appears to be drawing a comparison between information and currency, implying that just as money drives economic transactions, the free flow of ideas and facts drives democratic decision making by an informed electorate.
Jefferson seems to have believed that democracy relies on citizens having open access to information from diverse sources in order to make sound judgments in elections and civic participation. The quote conveys Jefferson’s view that transparency and sharing of information is vital for a democratic system, similar to how currency enables commerce.