"Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed"
- Thomas Jefferson
About this Quote
This quote by Thomas Jefferson speaks to the human propensity to accept suffering rather than take action to change the status quo. He suggests that people are most likely to endure hardships, even when they have the ability to be relieved, than to take the initiative to abolish the systems that are triggering them. This speaks to the power of practice and the problem of breaking away from the familiar. It likewise speaks to the power of authority and the propensity of individuals to accept the status quo, even when it is not in their benefit. This quote is a reminder that individuals have the power to make change, but frequently do not have the guts to do so. It is a call to action, encouraging individuals to take a stand and make a difference in the world.
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