Endeavor Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“It should be our endeavor to cultivate the peace and friendship of every nation, even of that which has injured us most.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Address to Congress, 1802
Advocates for universal peace and friendship, even toward former adversaries, emphasizing moral duty over retaliation.
In simple terms: Promote peace with all nations, even those that hurt us.
Key Takeaway
Choose reconciliation over revenge.
Themes
peace
friendship
forgiveness
diplomacy
ethics
Mood
hopeful
determined
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- foreign policy
- peace negotiations
- post‑conflict rebuilding
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
moral responsibility
international relations
conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you extend goodwill to those who have harmed you?
- What steps foster lasting peace?
A Different Perspective
Peace may be difficult when wounds are fresh.
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![“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)
