Interesting Jefferson Quote

"It is of great importance to set a resolution, not to be shaken, never to tell an untruth. There is no vice so mean, so pitiful, so contemptible; and he who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and a third time, till at length it becomes habitual; he tells lies without attending to it, and truths without the world's believing him. This falsehood of the tongue leads to that of the heart, and in time depraves all its good disposition."

--Thomas Jefferson, letter to Peter Carr, 19 August 1785

I just got done reading Joseph Ellis' "American Sphinx; The Character of Thomas Jefferson". It is the only Jefferson "biography" I've read (it was more of a character study as the name implies, than a biography). What makes the quote interesting is that, at least according to Ellis, Jefferson's life was often at odds with his political stances. He was a man who abhorred slavery, but who kept slaves; he berated those who practiced "politics", but was often the unseen hand in much of the political maneuvers that took place during the Washington presidency; he employed the media to attack his opponents, then deplored the same tactics when used against him.

In short, Jefferson appears to have been quite the enigma given his political stances vs. the way he conducted his life.

Perhaps there is something to be said for seeking the ideal while fostering an understanding attitude toward others. I could stand to learn that lesson.