Quotes By Thomas Jefferson

My theory has always been, that if we are to dream, the flatteries of hope are as cheap, and pleasanter, than the gloom of despair.

An enemy generally says and believes what he wishes.

Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very fast.

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.

There is a natural aristocracy among men. The grounds of this are virtue and talents.

I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.

It takes time to persuade men to do even what is for their own good.

Delay is preferable to error.

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.

It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God.

Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail.

Politics is such a torment that I advise everyone I love not to mix with it.

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

It is error alone which needs the support of government. Truth can stand by itself.

We are not to expect to be translated from despotism to liberty in a featherbed.

My only fear is that I may live too long. This would be a subject of dread to me.

Money, not morality, is the principle commerce of civilized nations.

Where the press is free and every man able to read, all is safe.

It is our duty still to endeavor to avoid war; but if it shall actually take place, no matter by whom brought on, we must defend ourselves. If our house be on fire, without inquiring whether it was fired from within or without, we must try to extinguish it.