We act not for ourselves but for the whole human race. The event of our experiment is to show whether man can be trusted with self - government.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility and the challenge of self-governance among humanity.
Thomas Jefferson's quote highlights the idea that our actions should transcend individual interests and serve the greater good of humanity. It reflects on the concept of self-governance, questioning whether humans are capable of managing their own affairs without falling into disorder, thus suggesting a fundamental belief in the communal aspect of human existence and the potential for self-directed societies.
In practice
In a speech about teamwork, one could use Jefferson's quote to underline the importance of community involvement.
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 must, therefore, be here as strangers and pilgrims, that we may plainly declare that we seek a city above.
If I blow the conch and they don't come back; then we've had it. We shan't keep the fire going. We'll be like animals. We'll never be rescued." "If you don't blow, we'll soon be animals anyway.
Thinking men cannot be ruled; ambitious men do not stagnate.
Ponder the significance of the responsibility the Lord has given to us. The Lord has counseled, "Let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds." (D&C 43:34.) You cannot do that when your minds are preoccupied with the cares of the world.
Watch your thoughts as you watch the street traffic. People come and go; you register without response. It may not be easy in the beginning, but with some practice you will find that your mind can function on many levels at the same time and you can be aware of them all.
A thing long expected takes the form of the unexpected when at last it comes.
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