Containing Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“I am an Epicurean. I consider the genuine (not the imputed) doctrines of Epicurus as containing everything rational in moral philosophy which Greece and Rome have left us.”
About This Quote
Source Letter to John Adams, 1779
Jefferson identifies Epicurean philosophy as the rational foundation of moral thought inherited from ancient Greece and Rome.
In simple terms: He sees Epicurus as the source of sensible ethics.
Key Takeaway
Study Epicurean ideas for practical moral guidance.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
history
ancient thought
rationalism
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
historical
When to use this quote
- personal moral decisions
- ethical debates
- educational curricula
- public policy formation
- philosophical counseling
Key Concepts
Epicureanism
classical education
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of Epicurean ethics are relevant today?
- How can individual rationality balance societal duties?
A Different Perspective
Epicureanism may overlook communal responsibilities.
![“As you say of yourself, I too am an Epicurean . I consider the genuine (not the imputed) doctrines of Epicurus as containing everything rational in moral philosophy which Greece and Rome have left us. [ Letter to William Short, 31 October 1819 ]” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af0/thomas-jefferson-43_epicurean_as-you-say-of-yourself-i-too-am-an-epicu_1448972.jpg)
![“[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)
