--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I have the consolation of having added…" description: "\"I have the consolation of having added nothing to my private fortune during my public service, and of retiring with hands clean as they are empty.\" — T..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9af/thomas-jefferson-43_consolation_i-have-the-consolation-of-having-added-n_937965.jpg" --- # I have the consolation of having added nothing to my… ![“I have the consolation of having added nothing to my private fortune during my public service, and of retiring with hands clean as they are empty.” quote by Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9af/thomas-jefferson-43_consolation_i-have-the-consolation-of-having-added-n_937965.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9af/thomas-jefferson-43_consolation_i-have-the-consolation-of-having-added-n_937965.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9af/thomas-jefferson-43_consolation_i-have-the-consolation-of-having-added-n_937965.jpg) > “I have the consolation of having added nothing to my private fortune during my public service, and of retiring with hands clean as they are empty.” [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He finds comfort in having not enriched his private wealth through public service, retiring with empty but clean hands. **In simple terms:** Comfort in clean, unburdened hands after public service. Key Takeaway Value integrity over material gain. Themes integrity public service humility wealth Mood reflective principled Type historical philosophical When to use this quote - government work - philanthropy - legacy building - ethical decision‑making Key Concepts ethical service selflessness political philosophy Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance service with personal needs? - What defines a "clean" retirement for you? A Different Perspective Public service can still involve personal compromise. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Consolation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consolation/) [Fortune](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fortune/) [Liberty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/liberty/) [Public service](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/public-service/) [Wealth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wealth/) ## Related quotes > [Because of an instability at my own core, it comforts me to live, fixed, within a story. If reading is our consolation for having…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/norman-lock/because-of-an-instability-at-my-own-core-it-comforts-me-to-live-fixed/) [Norman Lock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/norman-lock/) > [I really enjoy the consolation when I'm having to cut loose stuff I love, of saying 'Well, at least it will make it onto…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jay-roach/i-really-enjoy-the-consolation-when-i-m-having-to-cut-loose-stuff-i/) [Jay Roach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jay-roach/) > [In a virtuous and free state, no rewards can be so pleasing to sensible minds, as those which include the approbation of our fellow…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/in-a-virtuous-and-free-state-no-rewards-can-be-so-pleasing-to/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [When great evils happen, I am in the habit of looking out for what good may arise from them as consolations to us, and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/when-great-evils-happen-i-am-in-the-habit-of-looking-out-for-what/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [The reflections that the boys of this age are to be the men of the next; that they should be prepared to receive the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/the-reflections-that-the-boys-of-this-age-are-to-be-the-men-of-the/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Had not a conviction of the danger to which an unlimited occupation of the executive chair would expose the republican Constitution of our Government,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/had-not-a-conviction-of-the-danger-to-which-an-unlimited-occupation/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [I advance with obedience to the work, ready to retire from it whenever you become sensible how much better choice it is in your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/i-advance-with-obedience-to-the-work-ready-to-retire-from-it-whenever/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [My passion strengthens daily to quit political turmoil, and retire into the bosom of my family, the only scene of sincere and purehappiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/my-passion-strengthens-daily-to-quit-political-turmoil-and-retire/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [I have learnt to expect that it will rarely fall to the lot of imperfect man to retire from this station with the reputation…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/i-have-learnt-to-expect-that-it-will-rarely-fall-to-the-lot-of/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [ The application requisite to the duties of the office I hold \[governor of Virginia\] is so excessive, and the execution of them after all… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/the-application-requisite-to-the-duties-of-the-office-i-hold-governor/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [The lasting value of our public service for God is measured by the depth of the intimacy of our private times of fellowship and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/oswald-chambers/the-lasting-value-of-our-public-service-for-god-is-measured-by-the/) [Oswald Chambers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/oswald-chambers/) > [As a matter of fact, even when I finished law school, I had no notion of public service then.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-dinkins/as-a-matter-of-fact-even-when-i-finished-law-school-i-had-no-notion/) [David Dinkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-dinkins/) > [Of all the things that it is possible to donate, to donate your own body is infinitely more worthwhile.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-jones/of-all-the-things-that-it-is-possible-to-donate-to-donate-your-own/) [William Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-jones/) > [As someone who has put my life on hold, my personal life on hold, for Parliament and for public service for over a decade…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pierre-poilievre/as-someone-who-has-put-my-life-on-hold-my-personal-life-on-hold-for/) [Pierre Poilievre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pierre-poilievre/) > [Consequently, citizen legislators, rotating back to their communities after a short period of public service—considered an indispensable and routine characteristic and design of representative…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/consequently-citizen-legislators-rotating-back-to-their-communities/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Thomas Jefferson > [A man has a right to use a saw, an axe, a plane, separately; may he not combine their uses on the same piece…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/a-man-has-a-right-to-use-a-saw-an-axe-a-plane-separately-may-he-not/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/believing-with-you-that-religion-is-a-matter-which-lies-solely/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [ \[States and the Federal government are\] coordinate departments of one simple and integral whole... The one is the domestic, the other the foreign branch… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/states-and-the-federal-government-are-coordinate-departments-of-one/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [I am for freedom of religion, and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendency of one sect over another.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/i-am-for-freedom-of-religion-and-against-all-maneuvers-to-bring-about/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day; but a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/single-acts-of-tyranny-may-be-ascribed-to-the-accidental-opinion-of-a/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [“Perceiving the order of nature to be that individual happiness shall be inseparable from the practice of virtue, I am willing to hope it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/perceiving-the-order-of-nature-to-be-that-individual-happiness-shall/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Free government is founded in jealousy, and not in confidence; it is jealousy, and not confidence, which prescribes limited constitutions, to bind down those…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/free-government-is-founded-in-jealousy-and-not-in-confidence-it-is/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/though-you-cannot-see-when-you-take-one-step-what-will-be-the-next/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [A well informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/a-well-informed-citizenry-is-the-best-defense-against-tyranny/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [The two principles on which our conduct towards the Indians should be founded are justice and fear. After the injuries we have done them,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/the-two-principles-on-which-our-conduct-towards-the-indians-should-be/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Knowledge is power...knowled ge is safety...knowle dge is happiness.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/knowledge-is-power-knowled-ge-is-safety-knowle-dge-is-happiness/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [There is... an artificial aristocracy founded on wealth and birth, without either virtue or talents... The artificial aristocracy is a mischievous ingredient in government,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/there-is-an-artificial-aristocracy-founded-on-wealth-and-birth/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [Nothing but free argument, raillery and even ridicule will preserve the purity of religion.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/nothing-but-free-argument-raillery-and-even-ridicule-will-preserve/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [When the people are afraid of the government, that's tyranny. But when the government is afraid of the people, that's liberty.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/when-the-people-are-afraid-of-the-government-that-s-tyranny-but-when/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) > [“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/we-hold-these-truths-to-be-self-evident-that-all-men-are-created/) [Thomas Jefferson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) [Explore all 2,098 Thomas Jefferson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/) ## More Consolation quotes > [I understand that it's the music that keeps me alive... That's my lifeblood. And to give that up for, like, the TV, the cars,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bruce-springsteen/i-understand-that-it-s-the-music-that-keeps-me-alive-that-s-my/) [Bruce Springsteen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bruce-springsteen/) > [I had thought that growing up's consolation was that you could escape from the arbitrariness of things, that somehow one acquired more control. Now…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/janice-galloway/i-had-thought-that-growing-up-s-consolation-was-that-you-could-escape/) [Janice Galloway](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/janice-galloway/) > [It is part of God's plan for us that Christ shall come to us in everyone; it is in their particular role that we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/caryll-houselander/it-is-part-of-god-s-plan-for-us-that-christ-shall-come-to-us-in/) [Caryll Houselander](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/caryll-houselander/) > [even those who call themselves 'intimate' know very little about each other - hardly ever know just how a sorrow is felt, and hurt…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-eliot/even-those-who-call-themselves-intimate-know-very-little-about-each/) [George Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-eliot/) > [But there are times when men have serious thoughts, and it is at such times, when they begin to think, that they begin to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-paine/but-there-are-times-when-men-have-serious-thoughts-and-it-is-at-such/) [Thomas Paine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-paine/) > [The slave and those whose present life is miserable and who can find no consolation in the heavens are assured that at least the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-camus/the-slave-and-those-whose-present-life-is-miserable-and-who-can-find/) [Albert Camus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-camus/) > [Perhaps the greatest consolation of the oppressed is to consider themselves superior to their tyrants.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julien-green/perhaps-the-greatest-consolation-of-the-oppressed-is-to-consider/) [Julien Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julien-green/) > [Books, which we mistake for consolation, only add depth to our sorrow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/orhan-pamuk/books-which-we-mistake-for-consolation-only-add-depth-to-our-sorrow/) [Orhan Pamuk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/orhan-pamuk/) > [The day has the color and the sound of winter. Thoughts turn to chowder...chowder breathes reassurance. It steams consolation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clementine-paddleford/the-day-has-the-color-and-the-sound-of-winter-thoughts-turn-to/) [Clementine Paddleford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clementine-paddleford/) > [Seek and possess holiness, and consolation will follow, as assuredly as warmth follows the dispensation of the rays of the sun.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-cogswell-upham/seek-and-possess-holiness-and-consolation-will-follow-as-assuredly-as/) [Thomas Cogswell Upham](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-cogswell-upham/) > [Solitude was my only consolation - deep, dark, deathlike solitude.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/solitude-was-my-only-consolation-deep-dark-deathlike-solitude/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I have the consolation of leaving your kingdom in the highest degree of glory and of reputation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cardinal-richelieu/i-have-the-consolation-of-leaving-your-kingdom-in-the-highest-degree/) [Cardinal Richelieu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cardinal-richelieu/) > [All consolation that does not come from God is but desolation; when the soul has learned to receive no comfort but in God only,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeanne-marie-bouvier-de-la-motte-guyon/all-consolation-that-does-not-come-from-god-is-but-desolation-when/) [Jeanne Marie Bouvier de la Motte Guyon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeanne-marie-bouvier-de-la-motte-guyon/) > [Let is walk ... joyously, dear souls, among the difficulties of this passing life ... These pains will have an end when our life…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-is-walk-joyously-dear-souls-among-the-difficulties-of-this/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Thinking about suicide is a potent consolation: it helps us to get through many a bad night.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/friedrich-nietzsche/thinking-about-suicide-is-a-potent-consolation-it-helps-us-to-get/) [Friedrich Nietzsche](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/friedrich-nietzsche/) [Browse all 587 Consolation quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/consolation/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I have the consolation of having added nothing to my private fortune during my public service, and of retiring with hands clean as they are empty.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Thomas Jefferson" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/i-have-the-consolation-of-having-added-nothing-to-my-private-fortune/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Consolation" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/i-have-the-consolation-of-having-added-nothing-to-my-private-fortune/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9af/thomas-jefferson-43_consolation_i-have-the-consolation-of-having-added-n_937965.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9af/thomas-jefferson-43_consolation_i-have-the-consolation-of-having-added-n_937965.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9af/thomas-jefferson-43_consolation_i-have-the-consolation-of-having-added-n_937965.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I have the consolation of having added nothing to my private fortune during my public service, and of…” — Thomas Jefferson", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Thomas Jefferson", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-jefferson/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I have the consolation of having...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/i-have-the-consolation-of-having-added-nothing-to-my-private-fortune/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-jefferson/i-have-the-consolation-of-having-added-nothing-to-my-private-fortune/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```