Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. Thomas Jefferson on government
The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive. Thomas Jefferson on government
Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the form of kings to govern him? Let history answer this question. Thomas Jefferson on government
History, in general, only informs us of what bad government is. Thomas Jefferson on government
The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground. Thomas Jefferson on government
Conquest is not in our principles. It is inconsistent with our government. Thomas Jefferson on government
I own that I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive. Thomas Jefferson on government
So confident am I in the intentions, as well as wisdom, of the government, that I shall always be satisfied that what is not done, either cannot, or ought not to be done. Thomas Jefferson on government
That government is the strongest of which every man feels himself a part. Thomas Jefferson on government
No government ought to be without censors and where the press is free no one ever will. Thomas Jefferson on government
The second office in the government is honorable and easy the first is but a splendid misery. Thomas Jefferson on government
The Creator has not thought proper to mark those in the forehead who are of stuff to make good generals. We are first, therefore, to seek them blindfold, and then let them learn the trade at the expense of great losses. Thomas Jefferson on great
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. Thomas Jefferson on happiness
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. Thomas Jefferson on happiness
It is neither wealth nor splendor but tranquility and occupation which give you happiness. Thomas Jefferson on happiness
If we can but prevent the government from wasting the labours of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy. Thomas Jefferson on happiness
The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government. Thomas Jefferson on happiness
Happiness is not being pained in body or troubled in mind. Thomas Jefferson on happiness
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. Thomas Jefferson on health
Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health is worth more than learning. Thomas Jefferson on health