Timid men prefer the calm of despotism to the tempestuous sea of liberty.

Quote by Thomas Jefferson

Topics: Thomas Jefferson Quotes

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....

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...

When any one State in the American Union refuses obedience to the Confederation by which...

When any one State in the American Union refuses obedience to the Confederation by which...

Resort is had to ridicule only when reason is against us.

Resort is had to ridicule only when reason is against us.

The most successful war seldom pays for its losses.

The most successful war seldom pays for its losses.

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,...

Above all things, and at all times, practice yourself in good humor.

Above all things, and at all times, practice yourself in good humor.

In defense of our persons and properties under actual violation, we took up arms. When...

In defense of our persons and properties under actual violation, we took up arms. When...

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...

I consider ethics, as well as religion, as supplements to law in the government of...

I consider ethics, as well as religion, as supplements to law in the government of...

Every generation needs a new revolution.

Every generation needs a new revolution.

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...

I am an Epicurean. I consider the genuine (not the imputed) doctrines of Epicurus as...

I am an Epicurean. I consider the genuine (not the imputed) doctrines of Epicurus as...

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

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

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.

To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and...

To compel a man to furnish funds for the propagation of ideas he disbelieves and...

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.

Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power...

Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power...

It is always better to have no ideas than false ones; to believe nothing, than...

It is always better to have no ideas than false ones; to believe nothing, than...

The second office in the government is honorable and easy; the first is but a...

The second office in the government is honorable and easy; the first is but a...