Thomas Jefferson Sayings and Quotes

Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old Thomas Jefferson quotes, Thomas Jefferson sayings, and Thomas Jefferson proverbs, collected over the years from a variety of sources.'

All that is necessary for a student is access to a library. Thomas Jefferson
I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have. Thomas Jefferson
My construction of the constitution is very different from that you quote. It is that each department is truly independent of the others, and has an equal right to decide for itself what is the meaning of the constitution in the cases submitted to its action; and especially, where it is to act ultimately and without appeal. Thomas Jefferson
The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers. Thomas Jefferson
Whenever you are to do a thing, though it can never be known but to yourself, ask yourself how you would act were all the world looking at you, and act accordingly. Thomas Jefferson
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. Thomas Jefferson
For a people who are free, and who mean to remain so, a well-organized and armed militia is their best security. Thomas Jefferson
A little rebellion now and then is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government. Thomas Jefferson
Never spend your money before you have earned it. Thomas Jefferson
Money, not morality, is the principle commerce of civilized nations. Thomas Jefferson
When the people fear their government, their is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty. Thomas Jefferson
The republican is the only form of government which is not eternally at open or secret war with the rights of mankind. Thomas Jefferson
The true foundation of republican government is the equal right of every citizen in his person and property and in their management. Thomas Jefferson
Although a republican government is slow to move, yet when once in motion, its momentum becomes irresistible. Thomas Jefferson
Agriculture, manufactures, commerce and navigation, the four pillars of our prosperity, are the most thriving when left most free to individual enterprise. Thomas Jefferson
Cultivators are the most valuable citizens…they are tied to their country. Thomas Jefferson
Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness. Thomas Jefferson
The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government. Thomas Jefferson
One travels more usefully when alone, because he reflects more. Thomas Jefferson
It takes time to persuade men to do even what is for their own good. Thomas Jefferson
I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past, — so good night! Thomas Jefferson
Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none. Thomas Jefferson
War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong; and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses. Thomas Jefferson
Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. Thomas Jefferson
If you have to eat crow, eat it while it's young and tender. Thomas Jefferson
Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. Thomas Jefferson
Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry. Thomas Jefferson
It is more dangerous that even a guilty person should be punished without the forms of law than that he should escape. Thomas Jefferson
The glow of one warm thought is to me worth more than money. Thomas Jefferson
Never spend your money before you have it. Thomas Jefferson