Civil rights Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“The time to guard against corruption and tyranny is before they shall have gotten hold of us. It is better to keep the wolf out of the fold, than to trust to drawing his teeth and talons after he shall have entered.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Letter to James Madison, 1798
Vigilance against abuse of power must precede its occurrence; prevent corruption before it infiltrates.
In simple terms: Prevent corruption early.
Key Takeaway
Act before tyranny rises.
Themes
freedom
government
integrity
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
political
advisory
When to use this quote
- political activism
- organizational governance
- community vigilance
Key Concepts
political theory
preventive ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies detect early signs of corruption?
- What safeguards can be built before power consolidates?
A Different Perspective
It can be hard to know when threats are imminent.
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![“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)
