Advances Quote by Thomas Jefferson
““I am certainly not an advocate for frequent and untried changes in laws and constitutions. I think moderate imperfections had better be borne with; because, when once known, we accommodate ourselves to them, and find practical means of correcting their ill effects. But I know also, that laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths disclosed, and manners and opinions change with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also, and keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy, as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.””
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1790 to James Madison (or similar political writing) by Thomas Jefferson, 1790
Law and institutions should evolve with societal progress; moderate change is preferable to frequent upheaval, but stagnation is unacceptable.
In simple terms: Laws must adapt as society advances.
Key Takeaway
Balance reform with stability to match societal growth.
Themes
law reform
progress
stability
social evolution
Mood
cautious
optimistic
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legislative updates
- educational curriculum changes
- technological regulation
- public health policy
Key Concepts
political theory
constitutional law
historical perspective
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies ensure laws keep pace with innovation?
- What safeguards prevent harmful abrupt legal shifts?
A Different Perspective
Rapid change can cause instability; gradual reform may lag behind urgent needs.
![“[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)
