Civil rights Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Our wish is that...[there be] maintained that state of property, equal or unequal, which results to every man from his own industry or that of his fathers.”
About This Quote
Source Document: Draft of the Declaration of Independence, 1776
Advocates that property rights stem from personal labor or inheritance, justifying unequal outcomes based on effort or lineage.
In simple terms: Property comes from work or family legacy.
Recognize effort and heritage in wealth.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- land ownership debates
- tax policy
- inheritance law
- economic mobility
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal labor justify wealth gaps?
- What role should society play in equalizing opportunity?
May overlook systemic barriers beyond individual control.