Believe Quote by Thomas Jefferson
“You have lived longer than I have and perhaps may have formed a different judgment on better grounds; but my observations do not enable me to say I think integrity the characteristic of wealth. In general I believe the decisions of the people, in a body, will be more honest and more disinterested than those of wealthy men.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: Correspondence with John Adams, 1790
Wealth does not guarantee honesty; collective decisions are often more impartial than those of rich individuals.
In simple terms: Rich people aren't necessarily more honest; groups can be fairer.
Key Takeaway
Trust collective judgment over personal wealth.
Themes
integrity
wealth
collective decision-making
honesty
politics
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- government policy
- community projects
- nonprofit governance
- public budgeting
- corporate ethics
Key Concepts
social contract
public virtue
democratic theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure collective decisions remain unbiased?
- What safeguards protect integrity in both individuals and groups?
A Different Perspective
Wealthy individuals can also act with integrity, and groups may be swayed by majority bias.
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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)
