Whether the succeeding generation is to be more virtuous than their predecessors, I cannot say; but I am sure they will have more worldly wisdom, and enough, I hope, to know that honesty is the 1st chapter in the book of wisdom.
Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) American political philosopher, polymath, statesman, US President (1801-09)
Letter to Nathaniel Macon (1819-01-12)
(Source)
Usually just the last phrase is given, and transcribed as "Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom."
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