Thomas Jefferson on the Old Ways and Truth

I have found that in these cult circles the founders of America are often upheld as good examples.  They are quoted almost as highly Scripture in some cases.  Much like wearing antiquated styles of clothing is considered more appropriate, holy, and modest than wearing clothes that are modern; quoting the founding fathers of America is good while quoting any modern day person - particularly someone in the field of psychology - is bad.  So here are some quotes that could use some mulling over.

"The Gothic idea that we were to look backwards instead of 
forwards for the improvement of the human mind, and to recur to
the annals of our ancestors for what is most perfect in 
government, in religion and in learning, is worthy of those bigots
in religion and government by whom it has been recommended, and 
whose purposes it would answer.  But it is not an idea which this 
country will endure." --Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Priestley, 1800.


"Truth is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has
nothing to fear from the conflict, unless, by human interposition, 
disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate; errors 
ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict 
them." --Thomas Jefferson: Statute of Religious Freedom, 1779.


"Truth and reason are eternal.  They have prevailed.  And they
will eternally prevail; however, in times and places they may be
overborne for a while by violence, military, civil, or
ecclesiastical." --Thomas Jefferson to Rev. Samuel Knox, 1810.


"We are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to
tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it."
--Thomas Jefferson to William Roscoe, 1820.