I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever

The quote "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever" is often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and one of the Founding Fathers. This quote reflects Jefferson's deep concern for the moral and ethical foundation of the nation he helped to create.

Jefferson was a man of great intellect and vision, but he was also deeply aware of the flaws and contradictions within the young United States. As a slave owner himself, Jefferson was acutely aware of the hypocrisy of a nation founded on the principles of liberty and equality while simultaneously denying those rights to a significant portion of its population.

In this quote, Jefferson expresses his fear that the injustices and inequalities that exist within society will eventually be met with divine retribution. He believed that God's justice is absolute and that it cannot be ignored or evaded indefinitely. Jefferson understood that a nation built on injustice and oppression cannot endure forever, and that eventually, the consequences of those actions will come to bear.

Jefferson's words serve as a warning to future generations, urging them to strive for a more just and equitable society. He recognized that the moral arc of the universe bends towards justice, and that those who perpetrate injustice will ultimately face the consequences of their actions.