What has been the effect of [religious] coercion? To make one half the world fools, and the other half hypocrites. To support roguery and error all over the earth. Thomas Jefferson More Quotes by Thomas Jefferson More Quotes From Thomas Jefferson The government you elect is the government you deserve. Thomas Jefferson government deserve 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 government happiness people 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-have trust time Men of quality are not threatened by women of equality Thomas Jefferson equality quality men 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 wall religious rights 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 insightful atheist men 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 citizens light long 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 real lying facts 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-arms gun people 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 liberty government principles 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 army liberty people If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed. Thomas Jefferson ignorance responsibility ifs Hemp is of first necessity to the wealth & protection of the country. Thomas Jefferson marijuana weed country The advertisement is the most truthful part of a newspaper. Thomas Jefferson humorous truth motivational Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom. Thomas Jefferson wisdom positive inspirational We will be soldiers, so our sons may be farmers, so their sons may be artists Thomas Jefferson artist soldier son Difference of opinion leads to inquiry, and inquiry to the truth. Thomas Jefferson inquiry opinion differences The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases. Thomas Jefferson southern government gun No government should be without critics. If its intentions are good then it has nothing to fear from criticism. Thomas Jefferson intention government criticism The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. Thomas Jefferson veterans-day strength wisdom
