Happiness Quote by Thomas Jefferson
““I am convinced that those societies which live without government enjoy in their gen'l mass an infinitely greater degree of happiness.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: Letter to John Adams, 1790
He believes that a society without government would be far happier for its people.
In simple terms: No government, more happiness.
Key Takeaway
Consider the role of governance in wellbeing.
Themes
politics
philosophy
happiness
freedom
Mood
thoughtful
optimistic
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- community organization
- personal liberty discussions
Key Concepts
anarchism
social contract
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What freedoms would be lost without government?
- Can true happiness exist without any authority?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic view may overlook need for order and services.
![“[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)
