Character Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Having labored faithfully in establishing the right of self-government, we see in the rising generation, into whose hands it is passing, that purity of principle and energy of character which will protect and preserve it through their day, and deliver it over to their sons as they receive it from their fathers.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: to James Madison, 1796
Self‑government thrives when successive generations inherit principled, energetic character, preserving liberty for future heirs.
In simple terms: Good character and principle protect self‑government.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate virtue in youth.
Themes
government
principle
generations
Mood
hopeful
inspirational
Type
political
educational
When to use this quote
- family upbringing
- civic education
- leadership training
Key Concepts
civic virtue
political continuity
Questions to Reflect On
- What practices instill lasting civic virtue?
- How can we ensure energy of character?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all youth will adopt these virtues without resistance.
![“[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)
