Laws are made for men of ordinary understanding and should, therefore, be construed by the ordinary rules of common sense. Their meaning is not to be sought for in metaphysical subtleties which may make anything mean everything or nothing at…

Quote by Thomas Jefferson

Topics: Law And Lawyers Quotes

Let those flatter who fear; it is not an American art

Let those flatter who fear; it is not an American art

Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by...

Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by...

War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong; and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses.

War is an instrument entirely inefficient toward redressing wrong; and multiplies, instead of indemnifying losses.

We have the wolf by the ears, and we can neither hold him, nor safely...

We have the wolf by the ears, and we can neither hold him, nor safely...

Under the law of nature, all men are born free, every one comes into the...

Under the law of nature, all men are born free, every one comes into the...

Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by...

Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by...

Bigotry is the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds; enthusiasm of the free and buoyant....

Bigotry is the disease of ignorance, of morbid minds; enthusiasm of the free and buoyant....

Let those flatter who fear; it is not an American art

Let those flatter who fear; it is not an American art

Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves...

Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves...

Your own reason is the only oracle given you by heaven, and you are answerable...

Your own reason is the only oracle given you by heaven, and you are answerable...

On the dogmas of religion, as distinguished from moral principles, all mankind, from the beginning...

On the dogmas of religion, as distinguished from moral principles, all mankind, from the beginning...

Difficulties indeed sometimes arise; but common sense and honest intentions will generally steer through them.

Difficulties indeed sometimes arise; but common sense and honest intentions will generally steer through them.

There is not a truth existing which I fear... or would wish unknown to the...

There is not a truth existing which I fear... or would wish unknown to the...

France has sincerely wished peace, and their seducers have wished war, as well for the...

France has sincerely wished peace, and their seducers have wished war, as well for the...

Good humor is one of the preservatives of our peace and tranquility

Good humor is one of the preservatives of our peace and tranquility

The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the first and...

The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the first and...

If people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their...

If people let government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their...

Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I...

Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I...

Anguish of mind has driven thousands to suicide; anguish of body, none. This proves that...

Anguish of mind has driven thousands to suicide; anguish of body, none. This proves that...

If you don't do it excellently, don't do it at all. Because if it's not...

If you don't do it excellently, don't do it at all. Because if it's not...

I must learn to love the fool in me the one who feels too much,...

I must learn to love the fool in me the one who feels too much,...