Skip to content

What is true of every member of the society, individually…

“What is true of every member of the society, individually, is true of them all collectively; since the rights of the whole can be no more than the sum of the rights of the individuals.” quote by Thomas Jefferson
Download Open image
“What is true of every member of the society, individually, is true of them all collectively; since the rights of the whole can be no more than the sum of the rights of the individuals.”

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.

Individual rights define collective rights; the whole cannot exceed the sum of its parts.

In simple terms: Rights of the group depend on individual rights.

Key Takeaway

Protect individual freedoms to safeguard society.

Themes

rights individualism collectivism

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

political philosophical

When to use this quote

  • lawmaking
  • civil rights movements
  • organizational governance
  • community decisions

Key Concepts

political theory social contract

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies honor both individual and collective rights?
  • When does collective action override personal freedoms?
A Different Perspective

Balancing individual liberty with collective good is challenging.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Thomas Jefferson

Explore all 2,098 Thomas Jefferson quotes

More Community quotes

Browse all 13,840 Community quotes