Debts Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: To James Madison, 1799
Each generation should settle its own obligations, which could prevent many wars if universally practiced.
In simple terms: Pay your own debts to avoid conflict.
Key Takeaway
Take responsibility for your era’s obligations.
Themes
responsibility
generational duty
peace
war prevention
economics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- national budgeting
- family finances
- public policy
- international treaties
- community projects
Key Concepts
ethics
political philosophy
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms ensure debt repayment?
- How can societies enforce intergenerational responsibility?
A Different Perspective
Assumes all parties act in good faith.
![“[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)
![“Debts and lies are generally mixed together. [Fr., Debtes et mensonges sont ordinairement ensemble rallies.]” quote by Francois Rabelais](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a09/francois-rabelais-2038_debt_debts-and-lies-are-generally-mixed-toget_295109.jpg)