169 Quotes By Thomas Jefferson


One travels more usefully when alone, because he reflects more.
Thomas Jefferson on travel

When a man assumes a public trust he should consider himself a public property.
Thomas Jefferson on trust

He who knows nothing is closer to the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors.
Thomas Jefferson on truth

It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself.
Thomas Jefferson on truth

I was bold in the pursuit of knowledge, never fearing to follow truth and reason to whatever results they led, and bearding every authority which stood in their way.
Thomas Jefferson on truth

Ignorance is preferable to error, and he is less remote from the truth who believes nothing than he who believes what is wrong.
Thomas Jefferson on truth

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

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

In truth, politeness is artificial good humor, it covers the natural want of it, and ends by rendering habitual a substitute nearly equivalent to the real virtue.
Thomas Jefferson on truth

The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind.
Thomas Jefferson on war

It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves. If our house be on fire, without inquiring whether it was fired from within or without, we must try to extinguish it.
Thomas Jefferson on war

I abhor war and view it as the greatest scourge of mankind.
Thomas Jefferson on war

The most successful war seldom pays for its losses.
Thomas Jefferson on war

I have seen enough of one war never to wish to see another.
Thomas Jefferson on war

War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses.
Thomas Jefferson on war

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.
Thomas Jefferson on wisdom

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 wisdom

Wisdom I know is social. She seeks her fellows. But Beauty is jealous, and illy bears the presence of a rival.
Thomas Jefferson on wisdom

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 wisdom

Advertisements contain the only truths to be relied on in a newspaper.
Thomas Jefferson on advertise