Character Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Everything is useful which contributes to fix the principles and practices of virtue.”
About This Quote
Source Letter to John Adams, 1790
Anything that helps improve moral standards and virtuous behavior is valuable.
In simple terms: Virtue-building actions are useful.
Key Takeaway
Seek ways to strengthen virtue.
Themes
virtue
self-improvement
principles
Mood
inspirational
serious
Type
ethical
motivational
When to use this quote
- education
- public policy
- personal habits
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
ethical development
Questions to Reflect On
- What practical steps can you take to foster virtue?
- How do societal structures affect moral growth?
A Different Perspective
Virtue alone may not address systemic issues.
![“[States and the Federal government are] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch of the same government.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/401/thomas-jefferson-43_branches_states-and-the-federal-government-are-co_2619.jpg)
![“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)
