Thomas Jefferson Sayings and Quotes

Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old Thomas Jefferson quotes, Thomas Jefferson sayings, and Thomas Jefferson proverbs, collected over the years from a variety of sources.'

If you want something you've never had, you must be willing to do something you've never done. Thomas Jefferson
The earth belongs to the living, not to the dead. Thomas Jefferson
To every obstacle oppose patience, perseverance and soothing language. Thomas Jefferson
I'm a great believer in luck, and I find that the harder I work, the more I have of it. Thomas Jefferson
As our enemies have found we can reason like men, so now let us show them we can fight like men also. Thomas Jefferson
An enemy generally says and believes what he wishes. Thomas Jefferson
Democracy is 51% of the people taking away the rights of the other 49%. Thomas Jefferson
That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves. Thomas Jefferson
Governments constantly choose between telling lies and fighting wars, with the end result always being the same. One will always lead to the other. Thomas Jefferson
The purpose of government is to enable the people of a nation to live in safety and happiness. Government exists for the interests of the governed, not for the governors. Thomas Jefferson
Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government. Thomas Jefferson
My only fear is that I may live too long. This would be a subject of dread to me. Thomas Jefferson
The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family. Thomas Jefferson
I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past. Thomas Jefferson
No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden. Thomas Jefferson
I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. Thomas Jefferson
The man who stops advertising to save money is like the man who stops the clock to save time. Thomas Jefferson
Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost. Thomas Jefferson
Information is the currency of democracy. Thomas Jefferson
Who then can so softly bind up the wound of another as he who has felt the same wound himself. Thomas Jefferson
Every generation needs a new revolution. Thomas Jefferson
Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness. Thomas Jefferson
When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty. Thomas Jefferson
Too old to plant trees for my own gratification, I shall do it for my posterity. Thomas Jefferson
Liberty is the great parent of science and of virtue; and a nation will be great in both always in proportion as it is free. Thomas Jefferson
Friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life. Thomas Jefferson
Leave all the afternoon for exercise and recreation, which are as necessary as reading. I will rather say more necessary because health is worth more than learning.  Thomas Jefferson
He who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it the second time. Thomas Jefferson
I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past. Thomas Jefferson
Beer, if drank with moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit, and promotes health. Thomas Jefferson