Thomas Jefferson: "Stand Like a Rock"

 

Richard G. Medlock

Thomas Jefferson's counsel, “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock,” teaches a profound distinction between things that are temporary and things that are eternal. Style refers to customs, fashions, methods, preferences, and the many ways people adapt to changing times. Principles, on the other hand, are enduring truths that do not change with public opinion, cultural trends, or political pressure. Jefferson understood that wise people are flexible in matters that are not essential, but immovable when it comes to matters of truth, justice, morality, and liberty. A person who refuses to adapt in every circumstance becomes rigid and ineffective, while a person who abandons principles to fit the crowd loses integrity and character.

In daily life, this means we can be open-minded regarding different approaches, technologies, traditions, and personal preferences while remaining firmly committed to honesty, responsibility, kindness, and moral courage. The method may change, but the principle should not. For example, communication methods have changed dramatically from letters to emails to social media, yet the principles of truthfulness and respect remain the same. Successful leaders understand this distinction. They adapt their strategies to changing circumstances while holding fast to their core values. As circumstances evolve, wisdom asks, "How should I do this?" Principle asks, "What is the right thing to do?"

This truth is deeply reflected in scripture. The Apostle Paul taught, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Likewise, the Lord declared that truth is "knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come" (Doctrine and Covenants 93:24). Truth does not change because society changes. Public opinion may shift like the wind, but eternal principles remain constant. President Russell M. Nelson taught, "Truth is truth. Some things are simply true." The challenge of every generation is to discern the difference between changing customs and unchanging truths.

The Founding Fathers understood this principle well. They designed the Constitution not around the passions of the moment but upon enduring principles of human liberty, accountability, and limited government. They knew that public sentiment could be volatile and that majorities could be mistaken. Therefore, they sought to anchor the nation to principles rather than personalities. Jefferson himself believed that while laws and policies might require adjustment over time, the fundamental rights endowed by the Creator were not subject to popular vote. Rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were viewed as permanent principles, not temporary fashions.

There is also a spiritual dimension to Jefferson's statement. Throughout history, prophets have often found themselves standing alone against prevailing cultural currents. Noah preached righteousness when the world mocked him. Daniel remained faithful despite political pressure. Jesus Christ stood for truth even when it led to rejection and crucifixion. They were willing to swim with the current in matters that were merely cultural, but they stood like rocks when eternal truth was at stake. Their examples teach that courage is not measured by how loudly we agree with the crowd, but by how faithfully we adhere to truth when the crowd disagrees.

In our own day, Jefferson's words are especially relevant. We live in a world of rapidly changing opinions, technologies, and social movements. Wisdom requires adaptability, humility, and a willingness to learn. Yet it also requires a moral anchor. Without principles, flexibility becomes compromise. Without adaptability, conviction becomes stubbornness. The mature individual learns to distinguish between what can change and what must never change.

Ultimately, Jefferson's statement is a call to both wisdom and courage. Be gracious and adaptable in matters of preference. Be teachable in matters of method. But when it comes to truth, integrity, moral law, faith, and God-given rights, stand firm. The currents of public opinion may shift daily, but principles rooted in truth endure. The person who stands upon those principles becomes, in the words of the Savior, like a wise man who built his house upon a rock—steady in the storm, secure in adversity, and faithful regardless of the changing winds of the world.