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The writings of Thomas Jefferson: being his autobiography, correspondence, reports, messages, addresses, and other writings, official and private

Book by Thomas Jefferson · 6 quotes · Men, Liberty, Government

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The writings of Thomas Jefferson: being his autobiography, correspondence, reports, messages, addresses, and other writings, official and private Quotes

“We may say with truth and meaning, that governments are more or less republican, as they have more or less of the element of popular election and control in their composition; and believing as I do, that the mass of the citizens is the safest depository of their own rights and especially that the evils flowing from the duperies of the people are less injurious than those from the egoism of their agents, I am a friend to that composition of government which has in it the most of this ingredient.”

“Were we directed from Washington when to sow and when to reap, we should soon want bread.”

“It behooves our citizens to be on their guard, to be firm in their principles, and full of confidence in themselves. We are able to preserve our self-government if we will but think so.”

“A noiseless course, not meddling with the affairs of others, unattractive of notice, is a mark that society is going on in happiness. If we can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them, they must become happy.”

“The general (federal) government will tend to monarchy, which will fortify itself from day to day, instead of working its own cures.”