Arms Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“The moral sense, or conscience, is as much part of a man as his leg or arm. It is given to all in a stronger or weaker degree.. It may be strengthened by exercise.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 1799
Conscience is an innate moral faculty, varying in strength, and can be developed through deliberate practice.
In simple terms: Conscience is natural but can be strengthened.
Key Takeaway
Exercise moral judgment regularly.
Themes
ethics
human nature
personal development
morality
self-improvement
Mood
inspirational
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- education
- community service
- ethical dilemmas
- personal reflection
- volunteer work
Key Concepts
moral psychology
virtue ethics
habit formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice strengthening your conscience?
- What habits support moral development?
A Different Perspective
Moral growth may be limited by environment or bias.
![“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)
