Divided Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“Were parties here divided merely by a greediness for office,...to take a part with either would be unworthy of a reasonable or moral man.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1790
Political parties arise from selfish ambition, making moral participation difficult.
In simple terms: Greed fuels parties.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize virtue over ambition.
Themes
politics
ethics
greed
partisanship
Mood
reflective
philosophical
Type
historical
political
When to use this quote
- voting
- public service
- civic engagement
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- Can parties ever be virtuous?
- How to mitigate greed in politics?
A Different Perspective
May oversimplify motivations.
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