America Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“I think our governments will remain virtuous for many centuries as long as they are chiefly agricultural; and this will be as long as there shall be vacant lands in any part of America. When they get piled upon one another in large cities as in Europe, they will become corrupt as in Europe.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Thoughts on government and agriculture, 1785
He believed agrarian societies stay virtuous, while urbanization leads to corruption.
In simple terms: Agriculture preserves virtue; cities corrupt.
Promote sustainable agriculture.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- rural development
- urban planning
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can modern societies balance agriculture and urban growth?
- What policies protect virtue in cities?
Agricultural focus may not prevent all corruption.