Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans, and must be that of every free state. Thomas Jefferson More Quotes by Thomas Jefferson More Quotes From Thomas Jefferson At the time we were funding our national debt, we heard much about "a public debt being a public blessing"; that the stock representing it was a creation of active capital for the aliment of commerce, manufactures and agriculture. This paradox was well adapted to the minds of believers in dreams. Thomas Jefferson wisdomblessingdream 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 workoutfitnessmotivational Most codes extend their definitions of treason to acts not really against one's country. They do not distinguish between acts against the government, and acts against the oppressions of the government. The latter are virtues, yet have furnished more victims to the executioner than the former. Real treasons are rare; oppressions frequent. The unsuccessful strugglers against tyranny have been the chief martyrs of treason laws in all countries. Thomas Jefferson governmentrealcountry The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object. Thomas Jefferson 4th-of-julyfreedomthinking 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 happyhappinessinspirational 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 crushstrengthhope All authority belongs to the people... In questions of power let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief with chains of the Constitution. Thomas Jefferson libertymenpeople If we move in mass, be it ever so circuitously, we shall attain our object; but if we break into squads, everyone pursuing the path he thinks most direct, we become an easy conquest to those who can now barely hold us in check. Thomas Jefferson squadmovingthinking Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should 'make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof,' thus building a wall of separation between church and State. Thomas Jefferson wallatheistreligious The same prudence which in private life would forbid our paying our own money for unexplained projects, forbids it in the dispensation of the public moneys. Thomas Jefferson projectspoliticspolitical Never [enter] into dispute or argument with another. I never yet saw an instance of one of two disputants convincing the other by argument. I have seen many on their getting warm, becoming rude and shooting one another. Thomas Jefferson militarymenwar The Constitution is a mere thing of wax in the hands of the judiciary, which they may twist and shape into any form they please. Thomas Jefferson twistspatriotichands The policy of the American government is to leave their citizens free, neither restraining nor aiding them in their pursuits. Thomas Jefferson 4th-of-julylibertygovernment Commerce with all nations, alliance with none, should be our motto. Thomas Jefferson allianceslibertywar I have the consolation of having added nothing to my private fortune during my public service, and of retiring with hands clean as they are empty. Thomas Jefferson emptylibertyhands The Bible makes the best people in the world. Thomas Jefferson peopleworld The liberty of speaking and writing guards our other liberties. Thomas Jefferson libertycommunicationwriting For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead. Thomas Jefferson not-afraidtruthmay If the present Congress errs in too much talking, how can it be otherwise in a body to which the people send one hundred and fifty lawyers, whose trade it is to question everything, yield nothing, and talk by the hour? Thomas Jefferson yieldtalkingpeople An informed citizenry is the only true repository of the public will. Thomas Jefferson informed-citizensinformed-citizenrycitizenry
