I have ever deemed it more honorable and more profitable, too, to set a good example than to follow a bad one.
Interpretation
Setting a positive example is more beneficial and honorable than following a negative one.
This quote by Thomas Jefferson emphasizes the importance of leading by example. It suggests that individuals should aspire to demonstrate good behavior and choices, as these can inspire others to act similarly, rather than simply conforming to negative influences. It highlights the value of integrity and the impact of personal conduct on society.
In practice
In a speech about leadership at a community event.
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.
Unless a variety of opinions are laid before us, we have no opportunity of selection, but are bound of necessity to adopt the particular view which may have been brought forward.
Ability is a wonderful thing, but its value is greatly enhanced by dependability. Ability implies repeatability and accountability.
It isn't the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it's the pebble in your shoe.
Solve all your problems through meditation. Exchange unprofitable religious speculations for actual God-contact. Clear your mind of dogmatic theological debris; let in the fresh, healing waters of direct perception. Attune yourself to the active inner Guidance; the Divine Voice has the answer to every dilemma of life. Through man's ingenuity for getting himself into trouble appears to be endless, the Infinite Succor is no less resourceful.
As a mountain is unshaken by the wind, so the heart of a wise person is unmoved by all the changes on this earth.
Waiting is a period of learning. The longer we wait, the more we hear about him for whom we are waiting.
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