"It takes time to persuade men to do even what is for their own good"
- Thomas Jefferson
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas Jefferson talks to the problem of persuading people to do what is best for them. It suggests that it takes a good deal of effort and patience to get individuals to do something that is advantageous for them, even if it is in their own best interest. This could be because people are typically resistant to change, or due to the fact that they are uninformed of the prospective benefits of a particular action. It could also be because individuals are hesitant to trust the guidance of others, or due to the fact that they are too persistent to accept aid. Whatever the reason, it is clear that it takes time and effort to get people to do what is best for them.