Action Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Man was destined for society. His morality, therefore, was to be formed to this object. He was endowed with a sense of right and wrong merely relative to this. This sense is as much a part of his nature, as the sense of hearing, seeing, feeling; it is the true foundation of morality… The moral sense, or conscience, is as much a part of man as his leg or arm. It is given to all human beings in a stronger or weaker degree, as force of members is given them in a greater or less degree. It may be strengthened by exercise, as may any particular limb of the body.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Notes on the State of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson, 1785
Human morality is innate, linked to social nature, and can be developed like any physical faculty.
In simple terms: Morality is natural and can be strengthened.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate moral awareness through practice.
Themes
ethics
human nature
social development
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- community building
- personal growth
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
innate moral sense
conscience
exercise of virtue
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies nurture moral growth?
- What practices strengthen personal conscience?
A Different Perspective
Moral development varies widely among individuals.
![“Of all the differences between man and the lower animals, the moral sense or conscience is by far the most important . . . [I]t is summed up in that short but imperious word ought, so full of high significance. It is the most noble of all the attributes of man, leading him without a moment's…” quote by Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8a4/charles-darwin-507_animal_of-all-the-differences-between-man-and-t_1130715.jpg)
![“[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)
