The people cannot be all, and always well informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented in proportion to the importance of the facts they misconceive. Thomas Jefferson More Quotes by Thomas Jefferson More Quotes From Thomas Jefferson The government you elect is the government you deserve. Thomas Jefferson governmentdeserve The purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness. Government exists for the interests of the governed, not for the governors. Thomas Jefferson governmenthappinesspeople 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 democracies-havetrusttime Men of quality are not threatened by women of equality Thomas Jefferson equalityqualitymen Religious institutions that use government power in support of themselves and force their views on persons of other faiths, or of no faith, undermine all our civil rights. Moreover, state support of an established religion tends to make the clergy unresponsive to their own people, and leads to corruption within religion itself. Erecting the 'wall of separation between church and state,' therefore, is absolutely essential in a free society. Thomas Jefferson wallreligiousrights Those who live by mystery & charlatanerie, fearing you would render them useless by simplifying the Christian philosophy - the most sublime and benevolent, but most perverted system that ever shone on man - endeavored to crush your well-earned & well-deserved fame. Thomas Jefferson insightfulatheistmen Our citizens may be deceived for awhile, and have been deceived; but as long as the presses can be protected, we may trust to them for light. Thomas Jefferson citizenslightlong Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper. Truth itself becomes suspicious by being put into that polluted vehicle. The real extent of this state of misinformation is known only to those who are in situations to confront facts within their knowledge with the lies of the day. Thomas Jefferson reallyingfacts 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 strong-armsgunpeople An elective despotism was not the government we fought for, but one which should not only be founded on true free principles, but in which the powers of government should be so divided and balanced among general bodies of magistracy, as that no one could transcend their legal limits without being effectually checked and restrained by the others. Thomas Jefferson libertygovernmentprinciples A private central bank issuing the public currency is a greater menace to the liberties of the people than a standing army. We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. Thomas Jefferson armylibertypeople If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed. Thomas Jefferson ignoranceresponsibilityifs Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth & protection of the country. Thomas Jefferson marijuanaweedcountry The advertisement is the most truthful part of a newspaper. Thomas Jefferson humoroustruthmotivational Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom. Thomas Jefferson wisdompositiveinspirational We will be soldiers, so our sons may be farmers, so their sons may be artists Thomas Jefferson artistsoldierson Difference of opinion leads to inquiry, and inquiry to the truth. Thomas Jefferson inquiryopiniondifferences The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases. Thomas Jefferson southerngovernmentgun No government should be without critics. If its intentions are good then it has nothing to fear from criticism. Thomas Jefferson intentiongovernmentcriticism The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. Thomas Jefferson veterans-daystrengthwisdom
