Jefferson Memorial - The Mind of Man

Thomas Jefferson was one of the most intelligent presidents in American history, so I felt that the phrase "the mind of man" would be appropriate to have behind his statue in the Jefferson Memorial.  It is the end of his famous quote "I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man," which is inscribed around the bottom of the dome in the memorial.  On the wall in the background, there is another Jefferson quote: "I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions, but laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors."