The second office of this government is honorable and easy, the first is but a splendid misery.

Quote by Thomas Jefferson

Topics: Government Quotes

A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on...

A bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every government on...

Speeches that are measured by the hour will die with the hour.

Speeches that are measured by the hour will die with the hour.

Every people may establish what form of government they please, and change it as they...

Every people may establish what form of government they please, and change it as they...

Truth is certainly a branch of morality and a very important one to society.

Truth is certainly a branch of morality and a very important one to society.

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...

No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no...

No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no...

Conquest is not in our principles. It is inconsistent with our government.

Conquest is not in our principles. It is inconsistent with our government.

I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.

I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.

Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans,...

Every citizen should be a soldier. This was the case with the Greeks and Romans,...

Delay is preferable to error.

Delay is preferable to error.

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the...

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the...

All authority belongs to the people

All authority belongs to the people

Morals were too essential to the happiness of man, to be risked on the uncertain...

Morals were too essential to the happiness of man, to be risked on the uncertain...

Victory and defeat are each of the same price.

Victory and defeat are each of the same price.

I have but one system of ethics for men and for nations - to be...

I have but one system of ethics for men and for nations - to be...

I am mortified to be told that, in the United States of America, the sale...

I am mortified to be told that, in the United States of America, the sale...

My theory has always been, that if we are to dream, the flatteries of hope...

My theory has always been, that if we are to dream, the flatteries of hope...

Nothing is unchangeable but the inherent and unalienable rights of man.

Nothing is unchangeable but the inherent and unalienable rights of man.

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.

Be polite to all, but intimate with few.

Be polite to all, but intimate with few.