The only orthodox object of the institution of government is to secure the greatest degree of happiness possible to the general mass of those associated under it.

Quote by Thomas Jefferson

Topics: Government Quotes

Be polite to all, but intimate with few.

Be polite to all, but intimate with few.

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...

The press is the best instrument for enlightening the mind of man, and improving him...

The press is the best instrument for enlightening the mind of man, and improving him...

Question with boldness even the existence of God; because, if there be one, he must...

Question with boldness even the existence of God; because, if there be one, he must...

Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance...

Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance...

I have no ambition to govern men; it is a painful and thankless office.

I have no ambition to govern men; it is a painful and thankless office.

In every country and every age, the priest had been hostile to Liberty.

In every country and every age, the priest had been hostile to Liberty.

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a...

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a...

No defender of slavery, I concede that it has its benevolent aspects in lifting the...

No defender of slavery, I concede that it has its benevolent aspects in lifting the...

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.

Money, not morality, is the principle of commerce and commercial nations.

Money, not morality, is the principle of commerce and commercial nations.

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of...

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of...

Never spend your money before you have it.

Never spend your money before you have it.

Conquest is not in our principles; it is inconsistent with our government

Conquest is not in our principles; it is inconsistent with our government

The animosities of soverigns are temporary, and may be allayed; but those which seize the...

The animosities of soverigns are temporary, and may be allayed; but those which seize the...

An enemy generally says and believes what he wishes.

An enemy generally says and believes what he wishes.

My affections were first for my own country, then, generally, for all mankind

My affections were first for my own country, then, generally, for all mankind

If we can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the...

If we can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the...

If it is dangerous to suppose that government is always right, it will sooner or...

If it is dangerous to suppose that government is always right, it will sooner or...

The people's government, made for the people, made by the people, and answerable to the...

The people's government, made for the people, made by the people, and answerable to the...