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I have but one system of ethics for men and for nations - to be grateful, to be faithful to all engagements under all circumstances, to be open and generous, promoting in the long run even the interests of both

Thomas Jefferson

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Thomas Jefferson
Age: 83 †
Born: 1743
Born: April 2
Died: 1826
Died: July 4
3Rd U.S. President
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More quotes by Thomas Jefferson

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If the measures which have been pursued are approved by the majority, it is the duty of the minority to acquiesce and conform.
Thomas Jefferson
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We have no right to prejudice another in his civil enjoyments because he is of another church.
Thomas Jefferson
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If we are made in some degree for others, yet in a greater are we made for ourselves.
Thomas Jefferson
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Each generation has a right to choose for itself the form of government it believes most promotive of its happiness.
Thomas Jefferson
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I tolerate with the utmost latitude the right of others to differ from me in opinion without imputing to them criminality.
Thomas Jefferson
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The most effective way to find ourselves enslaved will not be done openly. If weakened we will sink gradually. I ask, who are the militia? They consist of the whole people, .... except a few public officers.
Thomas Jefferson
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The sentiments of men are known not only by what they receive, but what they reject also.
Thomas Jefferson
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Would the honest patriot, in the full tide of successful experiment, abandon a government which has so far kept us free and firm on the theoretic and visionary fear that this Government, the world's best hope, may by possibility want energy to preserve itself? I trust not.
Thomas Jefferson
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I hope our wisdom will grow with our power, and teach us, that the less we use our power the greater it will be.
Thomas Jefferson
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One of my favorite ideas is, never to keep an unnecessary soldier.
Thomas Jefferson
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The idea is quite unfounded that on entering into society we give up any natural rights.
Thomas Jefferson
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The general (federal) government will tend to monarchy, which will fortify itself from day to day, instead of working its own cures.
Thomas Jefferson
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Christianity neither is, nor ever was a part of the common law.
Thomas Jefferson
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The trifling economy of paper, as a cheaper medium, or its convenience for transmission, weighs nothing in opposition to the advantages of the precious metals it is liable to be abused, has been, is, and forever will be abused, in every country in which it is permitted.
Thomas Jefferson
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I am entirely persuaded that the agitations of the public mind advance its powers, and that at every vibration between the points of liberty and despotism, something will be gained for the former. As men become better informed, their rulers must respect them the more.
Thomas Jefferson
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If we did a good act merely from love of God and a belief that it is pleasing to Him, whence arises the morality of the Atheist? ...Their virtue, then, must have had some other foundation than the love of God.
Thomas Jefferson
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The issue for patents for new discovers has given a spring to invention beyond my conception.
Thomas Jefferson
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The sovereign invigorator of the body is exercise, and of all the exercises walking is the best.
Thomas Jefferson
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The protection of our citizens, the spirit and honor of our country, require that force should be interposed to a certain degree.
Thomas Jefferson
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When the people are afraid of the government, that's tyranny. But when the government is afraid of the people, that's liberty.
Thomas Jefferson