Art Quote by Thomas Jefferson
““The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest. Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Letter to James Madison, 1802
Honesty and duty are the foundations of good governance; doing right earns respect even if you fail.
In simple terms: Honesty and duty build trust.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize integrity over approval.
Themes
government
ethics
leadership
Mood
thoughtful
inspirational
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- political office
- community service
- policy making
Key Concepts
civic duty
integrity
public trust
Questions to Reflect On
- What does duty mean to you?
- How can honesty be maintained under pressure?
A Different Perspective
Honesty alone may not guarantee success without competence.
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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)
