4th of july Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“I set out on this ground which I suppose to be self-evident, that the earth belongs in usufruct to the living. . . . We seem not to perceive that, by the law of nature, one generation is to another as one independent nation is to another. . . . The earth belongs always to the living generations.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Letter to John Adams, 1785
Human generations inherit the planet, which is a shared resource for the living, not a permanent possession of any one generation.
In simple terms: The earth is a shared resource for the living.
Key Takeaway
Treat the planet as a common trust for future generations.
Themes
environment
intergenerational justice
stewardship
Mood
concerned
reflective
Type
ethical
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- environmental planning
- education
- family legacy
Key Concepts
usufruct
natural law
commons
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance current needs with future rights?
- What policies reflect this stewardship?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all societies share the same view of natural rights, which may not hold universally.
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