Bread Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“A wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our felicities.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: to James Madison, 1795
A good government limits interference, allowing individuals to pursue industry and improvement freely, while ensuring fair labor rewards, which leads to overall happiness.
In simple terms: Free, fair government lets people work and thrive.
Key Takeaway
Balance regulation with personal freedom for prosperity.
Themes
government
freedom
economics
Mood
analytical
balanced
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- business regulation
- labor negotiations
- community development
Key Concepts
liberalism
property rights
social contract
fair labor
Questions to Reflect On
- What is the ideal balance between regulation and liberty?
- How does fair labor contribute to societal happiness?
A Different Perspective
Too little regulation may cause inequality.
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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)
