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Ignorance is a poor tool in a battle of wits.

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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President Jefferson
T. Jefferson
Wits
Wit
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Tools
Ignorance
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Poor

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No society can make a perpetual constitution... The earth belongs always to the living generation.
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The precepts of philosophy and of the Hebrew code, laid hold of actions only. (Jesus) pushed his scrutinies into the heart of man, erected his tribunal in the regions of his thoughts, and purified the waters at the fountain head.
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If we can but prevent the government from wasting the labours of the people, under the pretence of taking care of them, they must become happy.
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I never before knew the full value of trees. Under them I breakfast, dine, write, read and receive my company.
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Difference of opinion leads to enquiry, and enquiry to truth and I am sure...we both value too much the freedom of opinion sanctioned by our Constitution, not to cherish its exercise even where in opposition to ourselves.
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Ambition is a tricky little animal to tame. It is very skillful at concealing itself from its master.
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[T]he true key for the construction of everything doubtful in a law is the intention of the law-makers. This is most safely gathered from the words, but may be sought also in extraneous circumstances provided they do not contradict the express words of the law.
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I have no fear that the result of our experiment will be that men may be trusted to govern themselves without a master.
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Ministers and merchants love nobody.
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Congress has not unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare, but only those specifically enumerated.
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With respect to our State and federal governments, I do not think their relations correctly understood by foreigners. They generally suppose the former subordinate to the latter. But this is not the case. They are co-ordinate departments of one simple and integral whole.
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In the middle ages of Christianity opposition to the State opinions was hushed. The consequence was, Christianity became loaded with all the Romish follies. Nothing but free argument, raillery & even ridicule will preserve the purity of religion.
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Yet the hour of emancipation is advancing ... this enterprise is for the young for those who can follow it up, and bear it through to it's consummation. It shall have all my prayers, and these are the only weapons of an old man.
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On a hot day in Virginia, I know nothing more comforting than a fine spiced pickle, brought up trout-like from the sparkling depths of the aromatic jar below the stairs of Aunt Sally's cellar.
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I endeavor to keep their attention fixed on the main objects of all science, the freedom & happiness of man.
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The Declaration of Independence . . . [is the] declaratory charter of our rights, and the rights of man.
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Our peculiar security is in the possession of a written Constitution. Let us not make it a blank paper by construction.
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The mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of God.
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The art of life is the art of avoiding pain.
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Men of energy of character must have enemies because there are two sides to every question, and taking one with decision, and acting on it with effect, those who take the other will of course be hostile in proportion as they feel that effect.
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