Government Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“The second office of this government is honorable and easy, the first is but a splendid misery.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: 1801, to James Madison
The quote contrasts two governmental bodies, praising one as noble and the other as a burdensome yet tolerable institution.
In simple terms: One part of government is honorable, the other a painful necessity.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the strengths and flaws of institutions.
Themes
politics
governance
institutional critique
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
political
When to use this quote
- legislative sessions
- court hearings
- administrative meetings
Key Concepts
separation of powers
bureaucracy
public service
Questions to Reflect On
- Which government branch do you trust most?
- How can we improve the 'splendid misery' part?
A Different Perspective
Simplifying complex governance into binary terms can mislead.
![“[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)
