Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

Quotes

• That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.

• The happiest moments of my life have a been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family.

• Reason and free inquiry are the only effectual agents against error.

• 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, to lessen the disposition to war; but of its abolition I despair.

• When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property

• Question with boldness even the existence of God; because, if there is one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded faith.

• I believe that justice is instinct and innate, the moral sense is as much a part of our constitution as the threat of feeling, seeing and hearing.

• Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.

• The sovereign invigorator of the body is exercise, and of all the exercises walking is the best.

• No instance exists of a person's writing two languages perfectly. That will always appear to be his native language which was most familiar to him in his youth.

• I never told my religion nor scrutinize that of another. I never attempted to make a convert nor wished to change another's creed. I have judged of others' religion by their lives, for it is from our lives and not from our words that our religion must be read. By the same test must the world judge me.

• I have seen enough of one war never to wish to see another.

• A little rebellion now and then...is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government.

• No nation was ever drunk when wine was cheap.

• Is it the Fourth?

• If people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny.

• I'm a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.

• In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.

• Say nothing of my religion. It is known to God and myself alone. Its evidence before the world is to be sought in my life: if it has been honest and dutiful to society the religion which has regulated it cannot be a bad one.

• Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep forever.