"I have no ambition to govern men; it is a painful and thankless office"

This quote by Thomas Jefferson speaks to his hostility to the idea of governing individuals. He expresses that he has no aspiration to take on the function of a leader, as it is a difficult and unappreciated job. He implies that the duty of governing individuals is a burden, which it is not something he desires to do. This quote shows Jefferson's humility and his understanding of the difficulty of leading a country. He knew the immense pressure and criticism that features the function of a leader, and he was not interested in taking on such a function. Jefferson's quote functions as a tip of the significance of having a leader who is willing to take on the difficult task of governing individuals, and who is modest enough to understand the difficulty of the job.