I own that I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive.

Quote by Thomas Jefferson

Topics: Government Quotes

We are endeavoring, too, to reduce the government to the practice of a rigorous economy,...

We are endeavoring, too, to reduce the government to the practice of a rigorous economy,...

A single good government is a blessing to the whole earth.

A single good government is a blessing to the whole earth.

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

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

Bodily decay is gloomy in prospect, but of all human contemplations the most abhorrent is...

Bodily decay is gloomy in prospect, but of all human contemplations the most abhorrent is...

The mobs of the great cities add just so much to the support of pure...

The mobs of the great cities add just so much to the support of pure...

Pride costs more than hunger, thirst and cold.

Pride costs more than hunger, thirst and cold.

We may consider each generation as a distinct nation, with a right, by the will...

We may consider each generation as a distinct nation, with a right, by the will...

He who knows best knows how little he knows.

He who knows best knows how little he knows.

Self-interest, or rather self-love, or egoism, has been more plausibly substituted as the basis of...

Self-interest, or rather self-love, or egoism, has been more plausibly substituted as the basis of...

Our principles are founded on the immovable basis of equal right and reason.

Our principles are founded on the immovable basis of equal right and reason.

I do not take a single newspaper, nor read one a month, and I feel...

I do not take a single newspaper, nor read one a month, and I feel...

I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less...

I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us that the less...

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to bear arms is, as...

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to bear arms is, as...

History, in general, only informs us of what bad government is.

History, in general, only informs us of what bad government is.

The natural cause of the human mind is certainly from credulity to skepticism.

The natural cause of the human mind is certainly from credulity to skepticism.

Common sense is the foundation of all authorities, of the laws themselves, and of their...

Common sense is the foundation of all authorities, of the laws themselves, and of their...

I may grow rich by an art I am compelled to follow; I may recover...

I may grow rich by an art I am compelled to follow; I may recover...

Be polite to all, but intimate with few.

Be polite to all, but intimate with few.

I do not find in orthodox Christianity one redeeming feature.

I do not find in orthodox Christianity one redeeming feature.

Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail.

Only aim to do your duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail.