Thomas Jefferson
John Kennedy once said to an assembled group off scholars in the White House, " I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent, of human knowledge, that has ever been gathered at the White House - with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone".
The quotes below could prove his points. His words have come to pass.
"When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe". Thomas Jefferson
"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not". Thomas Jefferson
"It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world". Thomas Jefferson
"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
"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government". Thomas Jefferson
"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms". Thomas Jefferson
"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep an bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government". Thomas Jefferson
"The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants". Thomas Jefferson
In light of the present financial crisis, it's interesting to read what Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:
"I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then be deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered". Thomas Jefferson
My favorite of all politician's statements applying to our government today:
"The budget should be balanced, the treasury should be refilled, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and assistance to foreign lands should be reduced lest the state become bankrupt. The people should be forced to work and not depend on government for subsistence". CICERO 106 B.C. - 43 B.C.
Just a Few More of My Favorites
“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.” - Thomas Jefferson, to Colonel Yancey, Jan 6, 1816
"History by apprizing [citizens] of the past will enable them to judge of the future; it will avail them of the experience of other times and other nations; it will qualify them as judges of the actions and designs of men; it will enable them to know ambition under every disguise it may assume; and knowing it, to defeat its views." --Thomas Jefferson
“The most effectual means of preventing the perversion of power into tyranny are to illuminate, as far as practicable, the minds of the people.” - Jefferson, 1799, Diffusion of Knowledge Bill; Jefferson Cyclopedia, pg. 278
“It is our duty...to endeavor to avoid war...” - Thomas Jefferson, to James Lewis, May 9, 1798; Works 4:241
“Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political; peace, commerce, and honest friendship, with all nations - entangling alliances with none....” - Thomas Jefferson, Mar. 4, 1801; Works 8:4
"If the present Congress errs in too much talking, how can it be otherwise in a body to which the people send 150 lawyers, whose trade it is to question everything, yield nothing, & talk by the hour? That 150 lawyers should do business together ought not to be expected." --Thomas Jefferson
“The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others.”
- Thomas Jefferson
"Natural rights [are] the objects for the protection of which society is formed and municipal laws established." -- Thomas Jefferson (Letter to James Monroe, 1791)
“...confidence is everywhere the parent of despotism...In questions of power, then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” - Thomas Jefferson, Draft of Kentucky Resolutions of 1798; Works 9:470-1
"The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only legitimate object of good government." - Thomas Jefferson
“Were we directed from Washington when to sow, and when to reap, we should soon want bread.” - Thomas Jefferson, Autobiography; Works 1:82
“With all these blessings, what more is necessary to make us a happy and prosperous people? Still one thing more, fellow citizens - a wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government...” - Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address; Works 8:3
The last quote you posted by
The last quote you posted by Jefferson,do you have a creditable reference?
I think that quote might be an interpretation of various statements and then put together.
But
I found this - "I sincerely believe... that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies, and that the principle of spending money to be paid by posterity under the name of funding is but swindling futurity on a large scale." --Thomas Jefferson to John Taylor, 1816
"I need say nothing of household economy, in which the mothers of our country are generally skilled, and generally careful to instruct their daughters. We all know its value, and that diligence and dexterity in all its processes are inestimable treasures. The order and economy of a house are as honorable to the mistress as those of the farm to the master, and if either be neglected, ruin follows, and children destitute of the means of living." --Thomas Jefferson to Nathaniel Burwell, 1818
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"Evil for evil, a good despotism in a country at all advanced in civilization is more noxious than a bad one, for it is more relaxing and enervating to the thoughts, feelings, and energies of the people." - John Stuart Mill
"A government of reason is better than one of force." --Thomas Jefferson to Richard Rush, 1820
Quotes:
Can these quotes be used some way for Campaign For Liberty?
TheKingIsComing