Animal Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“I believe that justice is instinct and innate, that the moral sense is as much a part of our constitution as that of feeling, seeing, or hearing; as a wise Creator must have seen to be necessary in an animal destined to live in society.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Letter to John Adams, 1790
Justice is an innate moral faculty, part of human nature like any other sense, designed for societal living.
In simple terms: Justice is a natural sense.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and nurture innate moral instincts.
Themes
morality
human nature
society
politics
ethics
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- lawmaking
- education
- community building
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
natural law
social contract
innate morality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance innate moral sense with societal laws?
- Can justice be taught or is it purely instinctual?
A Different Perspective
Moral instincts can be overridden by self‑interest or cultural bias.
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