Every human being must be viewed according to what it is good for. For not one of us, no, not one, is perfect. And were we to love none who had imperfection, this world would be a desert for our love.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of accepting imperfections in others and recognizing their value despite flaws.
Thomas Jefferson's quote suggests that every individual has inherent worth, even if they are not perfect. He argues that if we were to only love those who are without flaws, we would find ourselves in a world devoid of love, as imperfection is a universal human condition. This perspective encourages compassion and understanding towards one another.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of compassion, one might use this quote to highlight the need for understanding in relationships.
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.
Compassion is an action word with no boundaries.
A witty woman is a treasure; a witty beauty is a power.
When the satisfaction or the security of another person becomes as significant to one as one's own satisfaction or security, then the state of love exists. Under no other circumstances is a state of love present, regardless of the popular usage of the term.
God does not love us because we are valuable. We are valuable because God loves us.
Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back.
Love is our response to our highest values.
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