Calculations Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“A cold-blooded, calculation, unprincipled, usurper, without a virtue, no statesman, knowing nothing of commerce, political economy, or civil government, and supplying ignorance by bold presumption.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Letter to John Adams, 1790
A harsh critique of a ruler lacking virtue, knowledge, and legitimacy, portraying him as a dangerous usurper.
In simple terms: Calls out a ruler as unprincipled and incompetent.
Key Takeaway
Beware leaders without moral or practical grounding.
Themes
politics
leadership
ethics
governance
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- elections
- policy debates
- public office vetting
- citizen activism
Key Concepts
virtue
legitimacy
political economy
civil government
presumption
Questions to Reflect On
- What qualities truly define a statesman?
- How can citizens assess leader competence?
A Different Perspective
Such sweeping condemnation may overlook complexities of political contexts.
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![“Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly prove a deliberate, systematic plan of reducing [a people] to slavery.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/00c/thomas-jefferson-43_change_single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-t_5515.jpg)
![“Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ebe/thomas-jefferson-43_difficult_though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one_9828.jpg)
