Thomas Jefferson

United States
13 Apr 1743 // 4 Jul 1826
Statesman, Politician

Quotes

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The natural progress of things is for liberty to yield and government to gain ground.
In matters of principle, stand like a rock. In matters of taste, swim with the current.
I'm a great believer in luck, and I find that the harder I work, the more I have of it.
Were we directed from Washington when to sow, & when to reap, we should soon want bread.
It is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility and occupation, which give happiness.

Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none.

First Inaugural Address
Whenever a man has cast a longing eye on them [offices], a rottenness begins in his conduct.

Letter to Tench Coxe, 1799
Those who bear equally the burdens of government should equally participate in the benefits.
All men are born free and equal, and have certain natural, essential, and unalienable rights.

Constitution of Massachusetts
No duty the Executive had to perform was so trying as to put the right man in the right place.

History of the People of the U.S
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On Anger: "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind."
Essays
On Destiny: "Our destiny exercises its influence over us even when, as yet, we have not learned its nature: it is our future that lays down the law of our today."
Human, All Too Human
On Friendship: "A crowd is not company; and faces are but a gallery of pictures; and talk but a tinkling cymbal, where there is no love."
Essays