Eloquence Quote by Gore Vidal
““It was of course Jefferson’s gift at one time or another to put with eloquence the “right” answer to every moral question. In practice, however, he seldom deviated from an opportunistic course, calculated to bring him power.””
About This Quote
Jefferson often gave eloquent answers to moral questions, but in practice he pursued power opportunistically.
In simple terms: Jefferson’s moral answers masked self‑interest.
Key Takeaway
Question the motives behind moral rhetoric.
Themes
politics
morality
opportunism
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political speeches
- policy debates
- historical study
Key Concepts
historical analysis
ethical hypocrisy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we discern genuine ethics from political strategy?
- What impact does opportunism have on public trust?
A Different Perspective
Moral rhetoric can be genuine, not just strategic.
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