Experiments Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“I hope that we have not labored in vain, and that our experiment will still prove that men can be governed by reason.”
About This Quote
Source Letter to John Adams, 1787
Reason should guide governance, and experiments in political theory aim to prove that rational rule is possible.
In simple terms: Reason can guide government.
Key Takeaway
Promote rational decision‑making in leadership.
Themes
politics
reason
governance
Mood
reflective
optimistic
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- policy making
- civic education
- constitutional reform
Key Concepts
social contract
enlightenment philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Can reason alone sustain a society?
- What role should emotion play in politics?
A Different Perspective
Reason alone may not account for emotional human factors.
![“[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)
