Class Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“I am convinced that those societies (such as the Native American peoples) which live without government enjoy in their general mass an infinitely greater degree of happiness than those who live under the European governments. Among the former, public opinion is in the place of law, & restrains morals as powerfully as laws ever did anywhere. Among the latter, under pretence of governing they have divided their nations into two classes, wolves & sheep. I do not exaggerate.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Correspondence with James Madison, 1785
Societies without formal government may experience greater collective happiness, relying on public opinion as a moral regulator.
In simple terms: Freedom from government can increase happiness through shared norms.
Key Takeaway
Consider community self‑governance.
Themes
freedom
happiness
government
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- local community projects
- grassroots activism
- alternative dispute resolution
- communal living
Key Concepts
social contract
anarchism
collective morality
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a society thrive without enforceable laws?
- What safeguards replace legal enforcement?
A Different Perspective
Absence of formal law can lead to disorder or power vacuums.
![“The true fountains of evidence [are] the head and heart of every rational and honest man. It is there nature has written her moral laws, and where every man may read them for himself.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4fc/thomas-jefferson-43_every-man_the-true-fountains-of-evidence-are-the-h_163246.jpg)
![“To draw around the whole nation the strength of the General Government as a barrier against foreign foes... is [one of the] functions of the General Government on which [our citizens] have a right to call.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d09/thomas-jefferson-43_barriers_to-draw-around-the-whole-nation-the-stre_130273.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)
