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Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson

Country United States
Born Saturday, 13 April 1743
Category
Quotes 165

About Author

Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743 (April 2, 1743 O.S.) – July 4, 1826) was the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom (1777), the third President of the United States (1801–1809) and founder of the University of Virginia (1819). He was an influential Founding Father and an exponent of Jeffersonian democracy.

Quotes by Thomas Jefferson

Title Category
Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances. Uncategorized
He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors. Uncategorized
No freeman shall be debarred the use of arms. t Uncategorized
If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be. Uncategorized
It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself. Uncategorized
If the present Congress errs in too much talking, how can it be otherwise in a body to which the people send one hundred and fifty lawyers, whose trade it is to question everything, yield nothing, and talk by the hour? Uncategorized
Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear. Uncategorized
For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well-organized and armed militia is their best security. Uncategorized
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Uncategorized
Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual. Uncategorized
Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing. Uncategorized
I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just; that his justice cannot sleep forever. Uncategorized
Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits. Uncategorized
Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny. Uncategorized
It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world. Uncategorized
I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. Uncategorized
I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend. Uncategorized
When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on. Uncategorized
Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom. Uncategorized
My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government. Uncategorized