Thomas Jefferson

live books

“I cannot live without books.”

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

know yourself ask act action delineate define

“Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.”

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

future happiness americans prevent government labor care

“I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.”

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

honesty first chapter book wisdom

“Honesty is the first chapter of the book wisdom.”

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

valuable talent two words one

“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.”

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

matter style swim current principle stand rock

“On matters of style, swim with the current, on matters of principle, stand like a rock.”

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

man read nothing educated newspapers

“The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers.”

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

luck work hard

“I'm a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it”

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

end democracy revolution government lending incorporations

"The end of democracy and the defeat of the American Revolution will occur when government falls into the hands of lending institutions and moneyed incorporations."

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

peace history reloading

"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading."

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

government parasites grow liberty decrease

"I think myself that we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious. Government big enough to supply everything you need is big enough to take everything you have ... The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases. The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first."

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

issue history govern himself ruled elite

"The issue today is the same as it has been throughout all history, whether man shall be allowed to govern himself or be ruled by a small elite."

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

tyranny law rebellion duty

"When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty."

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

dangerous freedom peaceful slavery

"I prefer dangerous freedom over peaceful slavery."

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

central bank currency menace liberties army debt

"A private central bank issuing the public currency is a greater menace to the liberties of the people than a standing army. We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt."

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

advertisement ruthful newspaper

"The advertisement is the most truthful part of a newspaper."

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

history government grow liberty decrease

"The course of history shows that as a government grows, liberty decreases."

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

learn listen improve try

"To learn, you have to listen. To improve, you have to try."

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

machinery government parasites

"I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious."

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

banking institution dangerous liberty army

"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies."

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

reason free inquiry agent error

"Reason and free inquiry are the only effectual agents against error."

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

diffusion knowledge foundation freedom happiness

"I think by far the most important bill in our whole code is that for the diffusion of knowlege among the people. no other sure foundation can be devised for the preservation of freedom, and happiness."

― Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)