Believe Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“this interesting subject, which, if the condition of man is to be progressively ameliorated, as we fondly hope and believe, is to be the chief instrument in effecting it.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 1790
Human nature can improve through deliberate effort, using knowledge as the main tool.
In simple terms: People improve by effort and knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Use knowledge to improve yourself and society.
Themes
improvement
knowledge
human nature
Mood
optimistic
thoughtful
Type
inspirational
political
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- social reform
- policy making
Key Concepts
philosophy
political theory
education
Questions to Reflect On
- What knowledge will you seek?
- How can you help others improve?
A Different Perspective
Improvement may be limited by systemic constraints.
![“[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)
