Skip to content

An industrious farmer occupies a more dignified place in…

“An industrious farmer occupies a more dignified place in the scale of beings...than a lazy lounger...too proud to work, and drawing out a miserable existence by eating on that surplus of other men's labor.” quote by Thomas Jefferson
Download Open image
“An industrious farmer occupies a more dignified place in the scale of beings...than a lazy lounger...too proud to work, and drawing out a miserable existence by eating on that surplus of other men's labor.”

Thomas Jefferson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A diligent farmer holds higher dignity than a lazy person who lives off others' work, leading to a miserable existence.

In simple terms: Hard work is dignified; laziness leads to misery.

Key Takeaway

Value industriousness.

Themes

work dignity economics

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

  • rural life
  • career choices
  • community building
  • self‑reliance

Key Concepts

agriculture social hierarchy ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is dignity tied only to labor?
  • What balance of work and rest feels right?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on work can ignore leisure needs.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Thomas Jefferson

Explore all 2,098 Thomas Jefferson quotes

More Drawing quotes

Browse all 2,299 Drawing quotes