The natural aristocracy I consider as the most precious gift of nature for the instruction, the trusts, and government of society. And indeed it would have been inconsistent in creation to have formed man for the social state, and not to have provided virtue and wisdom enough to manage the concerns of the society. May we not even say that that form of government is the best which provides the most - for a pure selection of these natural aristoi into the offices of government?
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of virtuous and wise leaders for the effective governance of society.
In this quote, Thomas Jefferson suggests that the natural aristocracy, consisting of individuals with virtue and wisdom, is vital for guiding society and ensuring effective governance. He argues that it is a fundamental aspect of human nature to require such leaders, and that a government that fosters the selection of these virtuous individuals will ultimately serve society best.
In practice
During a civic engagement workshop, this quote can be used to discuss the qualities of effective leaders.
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
We 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.
There are two great gifts which God, in his love for man, has granted from on high: the priesthood and the imperial dignity.
To attempt the destruction of our passions is the height of folly. What a noble aim is that of the zealot who tortures himself like a madman in order to desire nothing, love nothing, feel nothing, and who, if he succeeded, would end up a complete monster!
Good people can't out-think evil, cause evil thinks of things good folks can't think of.
It is not down in any map; true places never are.
I've come to think that's what heaven is- a place in the memory of others where our best selves live on.
Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force...Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.
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