2,194 Quotes by Thomas Jefferson

...is the spirit of the people an infallible, a permanent reliance? ...the spirit of the times may alter, will alter. Our rulers will become corrupt, our people careless.

Take not from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned.

Were we directed from Washington when to sow and when to reap, we should soon want bread.

He who lights his [candle] at mine receives light without darkening me.

We act not for ourselves but for the whole human race. The event of our experiment is to show whether man can be trusted with self - government.

Laws are made for men of ordinary understanding and should, therefore, be construed by the ordinary rules of common sense. Their meaning is not to be sought for in metaphysical subtleties which may make anything mean everything or nothing at pleasure.

The olive tree is surely the richest gift of Heaven. I can scarcely expect bread.

Educate and inform the whole mass of the people. Enable them to see that it is their interest to preserve peace and order, and they will preserve them.

Religious leaders will always avail themselves of public ignorance for their own purpose.