2,194 Quotes by Thomas Jefferson

I'd rather have newspapers and no government than government and no newspapers.

In matters of principals, stand like a rock; in matters of taste, swim with the current.

If there is a gratification which I envy any people in this world it is to your country [Italy] its music. This is the favorite passion of my soul, and fortune has cast my lot in a country where it is in a state of deplorable barbarism.

When all government ...in little as in great things... shall be drawn to Washington as the center of all power; it will render powerless the checks provided of one government on another, and will become as venal and oppressive as the government from which we separated.

The tender breasts of ladies were not formed for political convulsion.

We rarely repent of having eaten too little.

Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated.

If we can but prevent the government from wasting the labours of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy.

The legislative powers of government reach actions only and not opinions.