2,194 Quotes by Thomas Jefferson

Some men look at constitutions with sanctimonious reverence and deem them like the ark of the covenant, too sacred to be touched. They ascribe to the men of the preceding age a wisdom more than human and suppose what they did to be beyond amendment

On similar ground it may be proved that no society can make a perpetual constitution, or even a perpetual law. The earth belongs always to the living generation. They may manage it then, and what proceeds from it, as they please, during their usufruct.

Pride costs us more than hunger, thirst, and cold.

Leave no authority existing not responsible to the people.

Honor, justice, and humanity, forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive from us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt of resigning succeeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably awaits them if we basely entail hereditary bondage on them.

Not less than two hours a day should be devoted to exercise, and the weather should be little regarded.

Ridicule is the only weapon which can be used against unintelligible propositions.

Everything yields to diligence

When a man assumes a public trust, he should consider himself as public property.