Character Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Honesty and interest are as intimately connected in the public as in the private code of morality.”
About This Quote
Public and private morality are linked; honesty and genuine interest are essential in both realms.
In simple terms: Integrity and curiosity bind public and private ethics.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate honesty and sincere curiosity everywhere.
Themes
ethics
honesty
integrity
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- personal relationships
- community service
Key Concepts
public trust
personal morality
social responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure consistency between your public and private actions?
- What role does curiosity play in ethical decisions?
A Different Perspective
People may separate public image from private behavior.
![“[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)
