Burden Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“In a virtuous government, and more especially in times like these, public offices are what they should be - burdens to those appointed to them which it would be wrong to decline, though foreseen to bring them intense labor and great private loss.”
About This Quote
In a virtuous government, public office is a duty, burdensome yet necessary, even when it brings personal hardship.
In simple terms: Public service is a burdensome duty.
Key Takeaway
Duty outweighs personal loss in good governance.
Themes
civic duty
government
virtue
burden
Mood
serious
principled
Type
political
When to use this quote
- elected officials
- civil service
- community leadership
Key Concepts
political philosophy
Practical Applications
- Promote transparent accountability
- Offer support for public servants
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies reduce the personal cost of public service?
- What safeguards prevent abuse of public office?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing burden may overlook systemic inefficiencies.
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