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Quote by Thomas Jefferson

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The Works of Thomas Jefferson: Notes on Virginia II, Correspondence 1782-1786

The book features Thomas Jefferson's influential work on the social and political landscape of Virginia, along with his extensive correspondence during a pivotal period in American history. more

Author

Thomas Jefferson
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

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“I am sorry they began their deliberations by so abominable a precedent as that of tying up the tongues of their members. Nothing can justify this example but the innocence of their intentions and ignorance of the value of public discussions. I have no doubt that all their other measures will be good and wise. It is really an assembly of demigods.”

ValuesDoubtWiseExampleIgnoranceMembersIntentionSorryTongueBe GoodInnocenceDiscussionNo DoubtJustifyAssemblyPrecedentI Am SorryDeliberationAm SorryDemigods
Book:Memoirs, 2: Correspondence and Private Papers
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“The functionaries of public power rarely strengthen in their dispositions to abridge it, and an unorganized call for timely amendment is not likely to prevail against an organized opposition to it. We are always told that things are going on well; Why change them? 'Chi sta bene, no si mueve,' said the Italian, 'let him who stands well, stand still.' This is true; and I verily believe they would go on well with us under an absolute monarch, while our present character remains, of order, industry and love of peace, and restrained as he would be, by the proper spirit of the people.”

PeopleBelieveWellsSaidStillsCharacterWould BeSpiritOrderGoes OnIndustryAnd LoveAbsolutesRemainsOrganizedOppositionItalianAmendmentsDispositionMonarchsTimelyWhy Change
Book:Jefferson: Political Writings
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“A generation may bind itself as long as its majority continues in life; when that has disappeared, another majority is in place, holds all the rights and powers their predecessors once held, and may change their laws and institutions to suit themselves. Nothing then is unchangeable but the inherent and inalienable rights of man.”

MenMayLongLawRightsGenerationsInstitutionsMajoritySuitsInherentPredecessorsUnchangeableInalienable Rights
Book:The portable Thomas Jefferson
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“The constitution has erected no such single tribunal, knowing that to whatever hands confided, with the corruption's of time and party, its members would become despots.”

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