I have the consolation to reflect that during the period of my administration not a drop of the blood of a single fellow citizen was shed by the sword of war or of the law.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jefferson reflects with pride that no citizens were killed by war or law during his time in office.
- In plain terms
- I am proud that no one was killed by war or law while I was in charge.
- What can you take from it?
- Governance should aim to spare citizens from violence and death.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines a successful administration?
- Is peace enough to measure leadership?
Another view
It focuses on direct deaths, not suffering caused by policy or indirect harm.
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