Fulcrum Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“The good opinion of mankind, like the lever of Archimedes, with the given fulcrum, moves the world.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Letter to John Adams, 1790
A positive view of humanity can be a powerful force when anchored by a solid foundation.
In simple terms: Good opinion can move the world.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate optimism and purpose.
Themes
optimism
influence
human nature
Mood
inspirational
hopeful
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- leadership
- public speaking
- team motivation
Key Concepts
Leverage
foundational support
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ground optimism in reality?
- What foundations support positive influence?
A Different Perspective
Optimism alone may not overcome systemic obstacles.
![“The world is like a vast sea: mankind like a vessel sailing on its tempestuous bosom. ... [T]he sciences serve us for oars.” quote by Oliver Goldsmith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a07/oliver-goldsmith-772_accounts_the-world-is-like-a-vast-sea-mankind-lik_2139056.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)
