Quotes by Thomas Jefferson

My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.

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

Happiness is not being pained in body or troubled in mind.

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.

It is neither wealth nor splendor but tranquility and occupation which give you happiness.

The Creator has not thought proper to mark those in the forehead who are of stuff to make good generals. We are first, therefore, to seek them blindfold, and then let them learn the trade at the expense of great losses.

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

I own that I am not a friend to a very energetic government. It is always oppressive.

That government is the strongest of which every man feels himself a part.

No government ought to be without censors and where the press is free no one ever will.