But though an old man, I am but a young gardener.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Jefferson humbly admits he is inexperienced despite his age, comparing himself to a young gardener.
- In plain terms
- Age does not mean experience in all areas.
- What can you take from it?
- Stay humble and keep learning.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does age guarantee wisdom?
- How do we stay humble?
Another view
Some may view this as overly modest.
More from Thomas Jefferson
Politics, like religion, hold up the torches of martyrdom to the reformers of error.
Permalink to quote #60 The acquisition of Canada this year, as far as the neighborhood of Quebec, will be a mere matter of marching, and will give us experience for the attack of Hal…
Permalink to quote #62 Knowing that religion does not furnish grosser bigots than law, I expect little from old judges.
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