Quotes from Thomas Jefferson
I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.
- Thomas Jefferson
If the book be false in its facts, disprove them; if false in its reasoning, refute it. But, for God's sake, let us freely hear both sides, if we choose.
- Thomas Jefferson
Experience demands that man is the only animal which devours his own kind, for I can apply no milder term to the general prey of the rich on the poor.
- Thomas Jefferson
Government as well as religion has furnished its schisms, its persecutions and its devices for fattening idleness on the earnings of the people.
- Thomas Jefferson
We ought not to schismatize on either men or measures. Principles alone can justify that.
- Thomas Jefferson
Everyone must act according to the dictates of his own reason.
- Thomas Jefferson
...is the spirit of the people an infallible, a permanent reliance? ...the spirit of the times may alter, will alter. Our rulers will become corrupt, our people careless.
- Thomas Jefferson
That liberty [is pure] which is to go to all, and not to the few or the rich alone. (to Horatio Gates, 1798)
- Thomas Jefferson
If a due participation of office is a matter of right how are vacancies to be obtained? Those by death are few by resignation none.
- Thomas Jefferson
What all agree upon is probably right; what no two agree in most probably is wrong.
- Thomas Jefferson
The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the people; that... it is their right and duty to be at all times armed.
- Thomas Jefferson
To take a single step beyond the boundaries specially drawn around the powers of Congress is to take possession of a boundless field of power, no longer susceptible to definition.
- Thomas Jefferson