Ability Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Of the various executive abilities, no one excited more anxious concern than that of placing the interests of our fellow-citizens in the hands of honest men, with understanding sufficient for their stations. No duty is at the same time more difficult to fulfil. The knowledge of character possessed by a single individual is of necessity limited. To seek out the best through the whole Union, we must resort to the information which from the best of men, acting disinterestedly and with the purest motives, is sometimes incorrect.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1793 correspondence, Thomas Jefferson to James Madison
Relying solely on a few honest individuals for governance is risky because human character is limited; broader input is needed.
In simple terms: One person’s virtue isn’t enough for good government.
Key Takeaway
Seek collective wisdom and accountability.
Themes
governance
trust
citizen responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
prescriptive
When to use this quote
- public office selection
- community advisory boards
- transparent decision‑making
Key Concepts
political theory
ethical limits
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards ensure honest leadership?
- How can we balance trust and oversight?
A Different Perspective
Even honest people can err; diversity of perspective is essential.
![“To seek out the best [persons to serve in the government] though the whole Union, we must resort to the information which from the best of men, acting disinterestedly and with ther purest motives, is something incorrect…No duty the Executive had to perform was so trying as to put the right man in…” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7f5/thomas-jefferson-43_acting_to-seek-out-the-best-persons-to-serve-in_1035539.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)
