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

The basis of our government (is) is opinion of the people.

The basis of our government (is) is opinion of the people.

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

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

Where a new invention promises to be useful, it ought to be tried

Where a new invention promises to be useful, it ought to be tried

I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with my books, my...

I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with my books, my...

The merchant has no country

The merchant has no country

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.

There is not a sprig of grass that shoots uninteresting to me.

There is not a sprig of grass that shoots uninteresting to me.

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,...

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...

Never spend your money before you have earned it.

Never spend your money before you have earned it.

I find that he is happiest of whom the world says least, good or bad.

I find that he is happiest of whom the world says least, good or bad.

Responsibility is a tremendous engine in a free government.

Responsibility is a tremendous engine in a free government.

I never will, by any word or act, bow to the shrine of intolerance or...

I never will, by any word or act, bow to the shrine of intolerance or...

Honesty, disinterestedness and good nature are indispensable to procure the esteem and confidence of those...

Honesty, disinterestedness and good nature are indispensable to procure the esteem and confidence of those...

We are not to expect to be translated from despotism to liberty in a featherbed.

We are not to expect to be translated from despotism to liberty in a featherbed.

Peace and abstinence from European interferences are our objects, and so will continue while the...

Peace and abstinence from European interferences are our objects, and so will continue while the...

Never spend your money before you have it.

Never spend your money before you have it.

The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the...

The constitutions of most of our States assert that all power is inherent in the...

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.

It behooves every man who values liberty of conscience for himself, to resist invasions of...

It behooves every man who values liberty of conscience for himself, to resist invasions of...