Cultivators of the earth are the most virtuous and independent citizens.
Interpretation
Those who work the land are seen as the most moral and self-sufficient members of society.
Thomas Jefferson's quote highlights the importance of farmers and agricultural workers in society, viewing them as virtuous individuals who are essential to both the economy and community. It suggests that there is inherent dignity and independence in agricultural labor, which contributes to a strong and moral citizenry.
In practice
This quote can be used during a speech about the importance of sustainable farming practices.
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.
Look into the depths of your own soul and learn first to know yourself, then you will understand why this illness was bound to come upon you and perhaps you will thenceforth avoid falling ill.
To us, the ashes of our ancestors are sacred and their resting place is hallowed ground.
A developed country is one that allows all its citizens to enjoy a free and healthy life in a safe environment
Neither one should hesitate about dedicating oneself to philosophy when young, nor should get tired of doing it when one's old, because no one is ever too young or too old to reach one's soul's healthy.
If you realize that all things change, there is nothing you will try to hold on to. If you are not afraid of dying, there is nothing you cannot achieve
We have lived long enough to experience the hollowness of earth and the rottenness of all carnal promises.
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