Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was an American statesman, diplomat, and the third President of the United States, known for drafting the Declaration of Independence.

". . . The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive. It will often be exercised when wrong, but better so than not to be exercised at all. I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere."

Thomas Jefferson

"The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government and to protect its free expression should be our first object."

Thomas Jefferson

"Everything yields to diligence."

Thomas Jefferson

"[n regard to Jesus believing himself inspired]This belief carried no more personal imputation than the belief of Socrates that he was under the care and admonition of a guardian demon. And how many of our wisest men still believe in the reality of these inspirations while perfectly sane on all other subjects (Works, Vol. Iv, p. 327)."

Thomas Jefferson

"Even in Europe a change has sensibly taken place in the mind of man. Science has liberated the ideas of those who read and reflect, and the American example has kindled feelings of right in the people."

Thomas Jefferson

"Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government."

Thomas Jefferson

"Peace and abstinence from European interferences are our objects, and so will continue while the present order of things in America remain uninterrupted."

Thomas Jefferson