I, however, place economy among the first and most important of republican virtues, and public debt as the greatest of the dangers to be feared.

Summary

This quote, attributed to Thomas Jefferson, underscores the importance of economic prudence and fiscal responsibility in a republican system of government. Jefferson prioritizes economy as one of the foremost virtues for a nation, recognizing the need to manage resources efficiently and responsibly. Furthermore, he views public debt as an alarming risk, emphasizing the potential threats it poses to the stability and well-being of a republic. In essence, Jefferson advocates for the careful management of finances and the avoidance of excessive public debt as vital components of sustaining a healthy and prosperous nation.