Home / Quotes / Quote by Thomas Jefferson

Quote by Thomas Jefferson

“A single good government becomes... a blessing to the whole earth, its welcome to the oppressed restraining within certain limits the measure of their oppressions. But should even this be counteracted by violence on the right of expatriation, the other branch of our example then presents itself for imitation: to rise on their rulers and do as we have done.”

Quote by Thomas Jefferson

Book:The Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series, Volume 12: 1 September 1817 to 21 April 1818

Work

The Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series, Volume 12: 1 September 1817 to 21 April 1818

The Papers of Thomas Jefferson: Retirement Series, Volume 12 includes letters, notes, and other writings that provide insight into Jefferson's thoughts and activities during his retirement years. The volume offers a glimpse into his personal life, political views, and intellectual pursuits, reflecting the ongoing influence of his ideas and legacy. more

Author

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson was the third President of the United States, a distinguished politician, philosopher, architect, and scientist. He was born on April 13, 1743, and died on July 4, 1826. Jefferson advocated for democracy and freedom in politics and was one of the main authors of the Declaration of Independence. His political ideas had a profound impact on the founding and development of the United States. more

You May Also Like

“A first attempt to recover the right of self government may fail, so may a second, a third, etc. But as a younger and more instructed race comes on, the sentiment becomes more and more intuitive, and a fourth, a fifth, or some subsequent one of the ever renewed attempts will ultimately succeed... To attain all this, however, rivers of blood must yet flow, and years of desolation pass over; yet the object is worth rivers of blood and years of desolation. For what inheritance so valuable can man leave to his posterity?”

Source: The Real Thomas Jefferson

“A government regulating itself by what is wise and just for the many, uninfluenced by the local and selfish views of the few who direct their affairs, has not been seen, perhaps, on earth. Or if it existed for a moment at the birth of ours, it would not be easy to fix the term of its continuance. Still, I believe it does exist here in a greater degree than anywhere else; and for its growth and continuance... I offer sincere prayers.”

Source: Memoirs, 4: Correspondence and Private Papers

“May [our Declaration of Independence] be to the world, what I believe it will be (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all), the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government... All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man.”

Source: Thomas Jefferson: selections from his writings edited, with an introduction

“The flames kindled on the Fourth of July, 1776, have spread over too much of the globe to be extinguished by the feeble engines of despotism; on the contrary, they will consume these engines and all who work them.”

Too Much Spread Contrary Civil Rights Flames Engines Fourth Globes July Despotism

Book:The Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Correspondence, cont

Source: The Writings of Thomas Jefferson: Correspondence, cont

“Stereotypes abound when there is distance. They are an invention, a pretense that one knows when the steps that would make real knowing possible cannot be taken or are not allowed.”

Knows Real Steps Knowing Taken Diversity Distance Invention Stereotype Pretense

Book:Black Looks: Race and Representation

Source: Black Looks: Race and Representation

“All of us in the academy and in the culture as a whole are called to renew our minds if we are to transform educational institutions-and society-so that the way we live, teach, and work can reflect our joy in cultural diversity, our passion for justice, and our love of freedom.”

Ifs Way Mind Whole Joy Culture Passion Justice Teach Diversity Institutions Educational Our Love Academy Cultural Diversity Educational Institutions

Author:Bell Hooks

“Why, if 'tis dancing you would be, There's brisker pipes than poetry. Say, for what were hop-yards meant, Or why was Burton built on Trent? Oh many a peer of England brews Livelier liquor than the Muse, And malt does more than Milton can To justify God's ways to man. Ale, man, ale's the stuff to drink For fellows whom it hurts to think: Look into the pewter pot To see the world as the world's not.”

Ifs Thinking Men World Way Looks Doe Would Be Stuff Hurt Drink Built England Fellows Dancing Drinking Hops Justify Pot Peers Muse Yards It Hurts Pipe Liquor Milton Ale Malt Pewter

Author:A. E. Housman

“How to Drink Like a Gentleman: The Things to Do and the Things Not To, as Learned in 30 Years' Extensive Research.”

Years Drink Research Drinking Gentleman Things To Do

Author:H. L. Mencken

“Two simple principles lie at the bottom of the whole matter, and they may be precipitated into two rules. The first is that, when there is a choice, the milder drink is always the better-not merely the safer but the better. The second is that no really enlightened drinker ever takes a drink at a time when he has any work to do. There is, of course, more to it than this; but these are sufficient for the beginner, and even the virtuoso never outgrows them.”

Firsts May Two Matter Whole Lying Choices Courses Simple Principles Drink Drinking Bottom Sufficient Enlightened Beginners Drinkers Virtuoso

Author:H. L. Mencken

“Drink because you are happy, but never because you are miserable. Never drink when you are wretched without it, or you will be like the grey-faced gin-drinker in the slum; but drink when you would be happy without it, and you will be like the laughing peasant of Italy. Never drink because you need it, for this is rational drinking, and the way to death and hell. But drink because you do not need it, for this is irrational drinking, and the ancient health of the world.”

World Way Needs Would Be Laughing Hell Drink Drinking Ancient Rational Miserable Irrational Grey Wretched Peasants Drinkers Gin Slums

Book:The Essential Gilbert K. Chesterton

Source: The Essential Gilbert K. Chesterton