Thomas Jefferson quotes - page 27

The art of governing consists simply of being honest, exercising common sense, following principle, and doing what is right and just. (Thomas Jefferson)
I can never fear that things will go far wrong where common sense has fair play. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
The unsuccessful strugglers against tyranny have been the chief martyrs of treason laws in all countries. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
May it be to the world... to assume the blessings and security of self-government. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
I find the pain of a little censure, even when it is unfounded, is more acute than the pleasure of much praise. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
But a short time elapsed after the death of the great reformer of the Jewish religion, before his principles were departed from by those who professed to be his special servants, and perverted into an engine for enslaving mankind, and aggrandizing their oppressors in Church and State. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
If some period be not fixed, either by the Constitution or by practice, to the services of the First Magistrate, his office, though nominally elective, will, in fact, be for life, and that will soon degenerate into an inheritance. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
We must do our duty and convince the world that we are just friends and brave enemies. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
Banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
A strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the high virtues of a good citizen, but it is not the highest. The laws of necessity, of self-preservation, of saving our country when in danger, are of higher obligation. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
I am of a sect by myself, as far as I know. (Thomas Jefferson)
I have not observed men's honesty to increase with their riches. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
It is a melancholy truth, that a suppression of the press could not more completely deprive the nation of its benefits than is done by its abandoned prostitution to falsehood. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
The firmness with which the people have withstood the late abuses of the press, the discernment they have manifested between truth and falsehood, show that they may safely be trusted to hear everything true and false, and to form a correct judgment b. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
Whenever there are in any country uncultivated lands and unemployed poor, it is clear that the laws of property have been so far extended as to violate natural right. The earth is given as a common stock for man to labor and live on. The small landowners are the most precious part of a state. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
This institution will be based upon the illimitable freedom of the human mind. For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead, nor to tolerate any error so long as reason is left free to combat it. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
One single object...will merit the endless gratitude of the society that of restraining the judges from usurping legislation. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
I have but one system of ethics for men and for nations - to be grateful, to be faithful to all engagements and under all circumstances, to be open and generous, promoting in the long run even the interests of both. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
Take not from the mouth of labor the bread it as earned. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead... View quote
Thomas Jefferson
Do not be too severe upon the errors of the people, but reclaim them by enlightening them. (Thomas Jefferson)
On the dogmas of religion, as distinguished from moral principles, all mankind, from the beginning of the world to this day, have been quarreling, fighting, burning and torturing one another, for abstractions unintelligible to themselves and to all others, and absolutely beyond the comprehension of the human mind. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
If the freedom of religion, guaranteed to us by law in theory, can ever rise in practice under the overbearing inquisition of public opinion, then and only then will truth, prevail over fanaticism. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
My views and feelings (are) in favor of the abolition of war and I hope it is practicable, by improving the mind and morals of society, tolessen the disposition to war but of its abolition I despair. View quote
Thomas Jefferson
A professorship of Theology should have no place in our institution (the University of Virginia) View quote
Thomas Jefferson