Children Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“A lively and lasting sense of filial duty is more effectually impressed on the mind of a son or daughter by reading King Lear, than by all the dry volumes of ethics, and divinity that ever were written.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: to John Adams, 1789
Reading Shakespeare teaches moral lessons more vividly than formal ethics texts.
In simple terms: Shakespeare teaches morals better than textbooks.
Key Takeaway
Use literature to internalize values.
Themes
education
family
literature
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
educational
literary
When to use this quote
- parenting
- teaching
- personal growth
- ethical discussions
Key Concepts
moral education
cultural influence
Questions to Reflect On
- Can stories replace formal ethics education?
- How to integrate both methods?
A Different Perspective
Literature may not cover all modern ethical dilemmas.
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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)
