169 Quotes By Thomas Jefferson


Whenever a man has cast a longing eye on offices, a rottenness begins in his conduct.
Thomas Jefferson on politics

I have no ambition to govern men it is a painful and thankless office.
Thomas Jefferson on politics

I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.
Thomas Jefferson on politics

Politics is such a torment that I advise everyone I love not to mix with it.
Thomas Jefferson on politics

I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.
Thomas Jefferson on power

Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.
Thomas Jefferson on power

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 on power

Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence.
Thomas Jefferson on power

Power is not alluring to pure minds.
Thomas Jefferson on power

I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.
Thomas Jefferson on religion

It is in our lives and not our words that our religion must be read.
Thomas Jefferson on religion

Difference of opinion is advantageous in religion. The several sects perform the office of a Censor - over each other.
Thomas Jefferson on religion

I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them but to inform their discretion.
Thomas Jefferson on society

Truth is certainly a branch of morality and a very important one to society.
Thomas Jefferson on society

I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country.
Thomas Jefferson on strength

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.
Thomas Jefferson on time

Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.
Thomas Jefferson on time

Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.
Thomas Jefferson on time

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

It takes time to persuade men to do even what is for their own good.
Thomas Jefferson on time