2,194 Quotes by Thomas Jefferson

In a world which furnishes so many employments which are useful, and so many which are amusing, it is our own fault if we ever know what ennui [boredom] is, or if we are ever driven to the miserable resource of gaming, which corrupts our dispositions, and teaches us a habit of hostility against all mankind.

War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong; and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses.

I sincerely believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. The issuing powers should be taken from the banks and restored to the people to whom it properly belongs.

Though you cannot see, when you take one step, what will be the next, yet follow truth, justice, and plain dealing, and never fear their leading you out of [any difficult situation] in the easiest manner possible...

The Bible is the cornerstone of liberty ... students perusal of the sacred volume will make us better citizens.

The happiness of society depends so much on preventing party spirit from infecting the common intercourse of life, that nothing should be spared to harmonize and amalgamate the two parties in social circles.

Dispositions of the mind, like limbs of the body, acquire strength by exercise.

The people are not always well-informed, but is better that they have misconceptions that make them restless than that they be lethargic-for lethargy in the people means death for republics.

It is neither wealth nor splendor; but tranquility and occupation which give you happiness.