Quotes from Thomas Jefferson
Malice will always find bad motives for good actions. - Shall we therefore never do good?
- Thomas Jefferson
It would not be for the public good to have [a majority in Congress of one party] greater [than] two to one.
- Thomas Jefferson
Does the government fear us? Or do we fear the government? When the people fear the government, tyranny has found victory. The federal government is our servant, not our master!
- Thomas Jefferson
To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.
- Thomas Jefferson
I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it.
- Thomas Jefferson
The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind.
- Thomas Jefferson
The multiplication of public offices, increase of expense beyond income, growth and entailment of a public debt are indications soliciting the employment of the pruning knife.
- Thomas Jefferson
No government ought to be without censors; and where the press is free no one ever will.
- Thomas Jefferson
The true foundation of republican government is the equal right of every citizen in his person and property and in their management.
- Thomas Jefferson
The sheep are happier of themselves, than under the care of wolves.
- Thomas Jefferson
Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto.
- Thomas Jefferson
The further the departure from direct and constant control by the citizens, the less has the government of the ingredient of republicanism.
- Thomas Jefferson