Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens (Jefferson)
February 9th, 2007 | Published in Agrarianism, Agriculture, Quotes | 2 Comments
Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bonds. As long, therefore, as they can find employment in this line, I would not convert them into mariners, artisans, or anything else.
–Thomas Jefferson, Letter to John Jay (Aug. 23, 1785)
February 9th, 2007 at 1:22 pm (#)
I have unsuccessfully looked for this quote in my Library of America edition of Jefferson’s writings. Can you provide a reference? Thanks.
February 9th, 2007 at 1:28 pm (#)
Jeremy, it’s p. 818 in my Library of America edition.