Able Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“I have never been able to conceive how any rational being could propose happiness to himself from the exercise of power over others... An honest man can feel no pleasure in the exercise of power over his fellow citizens… Power is not alluring to pure minds and is not with them the primary principle of contest.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Letter to John Adams, 1787
Power over others cannot be a source of true happiness for rational beings; pure minds seek higher principles.
In simple terms: Power over others isn’t true happiness.
Key Takeaway
Seek fulfillment through virtue, not domination.
Themes
ethics
politics
human nature
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- public service
- personal development
Key Concepts
philosophy
morality
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define true fulfillment?
- Can power ever be used ethically?
A Different Perspective
Power can be seductive in corrupt systems.
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![“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)
