2,194 Quotes by Thomas Jefferson

I am conscious that an equal division of property is impracticable, but the consequences of this enormous inequality producing so much misery to the bulk of mankind, legislators cannot invent too many devices for subdividing property.

Conquest is not in our principles. It is inconsistent with our government.

The merchants will manage [commerce] the better, the more they are left free to manage for themselves.

I am sure that in estimating every man's value either in private or public life, a pure integrity is the quality we take first into calculation, and that learning and talents are only the second.

Sir, Your letter of the 15th is received, but Age has long since obliged me to withhold my mind from Speculations of the difficulty of those of your letter, that their are means of artificial buoyancy by which man may be supported in the Air, the Balloon has proved, and that means of directing it may be discovered is against no law of Nature and is therefore possible as in the case of Birds, but to do this by mechanical means alone in a medium so rare and unassisting as air must have the aid of some principal not yet generally known.

Health is value greater than studying.

If we are made in some degree for others, yet in a greater are we made for ourselves.

If ever there was a holy war, it was that which saved our liberties and gave us independence.

Your own reason is the only oracle given to you by God.