My confidence is that there will for a long time be virtue and good sense enough in our countrymen to correct abuses.
Interpretation
Jefferson expresses his belief in the moral integrity of the people to address and rectify societal issues.
In this quote, Thomas Jefferson conveys his confidence in the character and rationality of his fellow citizens. He suggests that, despite the presence of problems or injustices in society, there exists a fundamental goodness and sense among the people that will enable them to recognize and correct these abuses over time. This reflects a hopeful perspective on human nature and civic responsibility.
In practice
During a community meeting to address local issues, one might quote Jefferson to inspire confidence in collective action.
The firmness with which the (American) people have withstood the... abuses of the press, the discernment they have manifested between truth and falsehood, show that they may safely be trusted to hear everything true and false and to form a correct judgment between them.
I, place economy among the first & most important republican virtues, & public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared
βWe must make our choice between economy and liberty or confusion and servitude...If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and comforts, in our labor and in our amusements...if we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy.
Very many and very meritorious were the worthy patriots who assisted in bringing back our government to its republican tack. To preserve it in that, will require unremitting vigilance.
A nation, as a society, forms a moral person, and every member of it is personally responsible for his society.
Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.
We have finished the job. What shall we do with the tools?
The pessimist borrows trouble; the optimists lend encouragement.
If you expect nothing, you're apt to be surprised. You'll get it.
There are hunters, and there are victims. By your discipline, cunning, obedience, and alertness, you will decide if you are a hunter or a victim.
Nobody can hurt me without my permission.
If a problem cannot be solved, enlarge it.
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