Interesting People mailing list archives
Thomas Jefferson on the Two-edged Sword of Strong Encryption
From: David Farber <farber () central cis upenn edu>
Date: Tue, 24 May 1994 13:08:24 -0400
From: mckeever () cogsci uwo ca (Paul McKeever) We often have seen the words of Benjamin Franklin quoted to justify the choice of strong encryption over government-prone systems like Clipper. BF's words go something like: One who trades his privacy to government in exchange for security will end up with neither. I was reading some Jefferson the other day and found the following passage. It comes from a letter written to M. De Meusnier on January 24, 1786. M. De Meusnier was in the process of writing the econmonic, political, and diplomatic section of the Encyclopedie Politique, and had asked for Thomas Jefferson's input. I believe the passage provides Jefferson's opinion on the matter of the double-edged sword introduced by encryption (security v.s. privacy from government). Here it is: "It has been said, too, that our governments, both federal and particular, want energy; that it is difficult to restrain both individuals and States from committing wrong. This is true, and it is an inconvenience. On the other hand, that energy which absolute governments derive from an armed force, which is the effect of the bayonet constantly held at the breast of every citizen, and which resembles very much the stillness of the grave, must be admitted also to have its inconveniences. We wigh the two together, and like best to submit to the former. Compare the number of wrongs committed with impunity by citizens among us with those committed by the sovereign in other countries, and the last will be found most numerous, most oppressive on the mind, and most degrading of the dignity of man." Regards, Paul McKeever
Current thread:
- Thomas Jefferson on the Two-edged Sword of Strong Encryption David Farber (May 24)