Ambition Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Dependence begets subservience and venality, suffocates the germ of virtue, and prepares fit tools for the designs of ambition.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1790 correspondence, Thomas Jefferson to James Madison
Excessive reliance creates servility, erodes virtue, and makes people tools for ambitious schemes.
In simple terms: Dependence weakens virtue and enables exploitation.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate independence.
Themes
independence
virtue
power
dependence
Mood
cautious
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- government leadership
- personal relationships
- organizational culture
Key Concepts
political philosophy
human nature
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What balances independence and collaboration?
- How can virtue thrive amid dependence?
A Different Perspective
Independence may ignore necessary cooperation.
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