169 Quotes By Thomas Jefferson


Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear.
Thomas Jefferson on fear

I have no fear that the result of our experiment will be that men may be trusted to govern themselves without a master.
Thomas Jefferson on fear

There is not a truth existing which I fear... or would wish unknown to the whole world.
Thomas Jefferson on fear

My only fear is that I may live too long. This would be a subject of dread to me.
Thomas Jefferson on fear

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 fitness

Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very fast.
Thomas Jefferson on fitness

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 freedom

But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.
Thomas Jefferson on friendship

Peace and friendship with all mankind is our wisest policy, and I wish we may be permitted to pursue it.
Thomas Jefferson on friendship

Friendship is but another name for an alliance with the follies and the misfortunes of others. Our own share of miseries is sufficient: why enter then as volunteers into those of another?
Thomas Jefferson on friendship

Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations entangling alliances with none.
Thomas Jefferson on friendship

I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.
Thomas Jefferson on future

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just that his justice cannot sleep forever.
Thomas Jefferson on god

Question with boldness even the existence of a God because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson on god

I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.
Thomas Jefferson on god

Fix reason firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion. Question with boldness even the existence of a God because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded fear.
Thomas Jefferson on god

If God is just, I tremble for my country.
Thomas Jefferson on god

It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God.
Thomas Jefferson on god

The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time.
Thomas Jefferson on god

A wise and frugal Government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circlue of our felicities.
Thomas Jefferson on good