I never saw an instance of one or two disputants convincing the other by argument. Thomas Jefferson More Quotes by Thomas Jefferson More Quotes From Thomas Jefferson The ground of liberty is to be gained by inches, and we must be contented to secure what we can get from time to time and eternally press forward for what is yet to get. It takes time to persuade men to do even what is for their own good. Thomas Jefferson libertarianlibertymen A democratic society depends upon an informed and educated citizenry. Thomas Jefferson librarianlibrarydemocratic I deplore with you the putrid state into which our newspapers have passed, and the malignity, the vulgarity, and mendacious spirit of those who write for them. ... This has in a great degree been produced by the violence and malignity of party spirit. Thomas Jefferson degreespartywriting Were parties here divided merely by a greediness for office,...to take a part with either would be unworthy of a reasonable or moral man. Thomas Jefferson partyofficemen A well informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny. Thomas Jefferson wellstyrannydefense He who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and third time, till at length it becomes habitual; he tells lies without attending to it, and truths without the world's believing him. This falsehood of the tongue leads to that of the heart, and in time depraves all its good dispositions. Thomas Jefferson heartbelievelying What country before ever existed a century and a half without a rebellion? And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure. Thomas Jefferson freedomguncountry Christianity neither is, nor ever was a part of the common law. Thomas Jefferson presidentialreligiouslaw Rebellion to tyranny is obedience to God. Thomas Jefferson rebellionoppressionobedience "It astonishes me to find... [that so many] of our countrymen... should be contented to live under a system which leaves to their governors the power of taking from them the trial by jury in civil cases, freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of commerce, the habeas corpus laws, and of yoking them with a standing army. This is a degeneracy in the principles of liberty... which I [would not have expected for at least] four centuries." Thomas Jefferson armylibertylaw The true foundation of republican government is the equal right of every citizen in his person and property and in their management. Thomas Jefferson foundationsoutherngovernment The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground. Thomas Jefferson yield4th-of-julyfreedom The Central Bank is an institution of the most deadly hostility existing against the principles and form of our Constitution. Thomas Jefferson constitutionformprinciples Difference of opinion is helpful in religion. Thomas Jefferson differencesinspirationallife Unless the mass retains sufficient control over those entrusted with the powers of their government, these will be perverted to their own oppression, and to the perpetuation of wealth and power in the individuals and their families selected for the trust. Thomas Jefferson oppressionwealthgovernment A rigid economy of the public contributions and absolute interdiction of all useless expenses will go far towards keeping the government honest and unoppressive. Thomas Jefferson honestuselessgovernment An informed citizenry is at the heart of a dynamic democracy. Thomas Jefferson informed-citizenrydemocracyheart Knowledge indeed is a desirable, a lovely possession. Thomas Jefferson lovelydesirablepossession Bank-paper must be suppressed, and the circulating medium must be restored to the nation to whom it belongs. Thomas Jefferson mediumshistoricalpaper 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 power-corruptscountryfirsts
