Quotes By Author: Thomas Jefferson

“Neither Pagan nor Mahamedan nor Jew ought to be excluded from the civil rights of the Commonwealth because of his religion. -quoting John Locke’s argument.”

“They (religions) dread the advance of science as witches do the approach of daylight and scowl on the fatal harbinger announcing the subversions of the duperies on which they live.”

“I may grow rich by an art I am compelled to follow; I may recover health by medicines I am compelled to take against my own judgment; but I cannot be saved by a worship I disbelieve and abhor.”

“I am satisfied, and sufficiently occupied with the things which are, without tormenting or troubling myself about those which may indeed be, but of which I have no evidence.”

“I am for freedom of religion, and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendency of one sect over another.”

“A nation which expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, expects that which never was and never will be.”

“The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.”

“Do you want to know who you are? Don’t ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you.”

“Honesty is the first chapter of the book wisdom.”

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

“I was bold in the pursuit of knowledge, never fearing to follow truth and reason to whatever results they led.”

“I have no ambition to govern men; it is a painful and thankless office.”

“And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.”

“There is nothing more unequal than the equal treatment of unequal people.”

“The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.”