Thomas Jefferson

The modern era we live in often times gives you the false impression that somehow with our scientific and technological breakthroughs, that we have superior intellect. It's a great thought but far from the truth. Today we have more information at our fingertips at any given time than most of our forefathers had in their lifetime. And yet somehow they had this brilliant insight without the benefit of the internet. One name that comes to mind is our third president of The United States, Thomas Jefferson.

President, author of the Declaration of Independence, horticulturist, archaeologist, paleontologist, author, inventor and founder of the University of Virginia. When President John F. Kennedy welcomed forty-nine Nobel Prize winners the White House in 62 he said, "I think this is the most extraordinary collection of talent and of human knowledge that has ever been gathered together at the White House with the possible exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone." Heady praise indeed.

Below are some thoughts from Thomas Jefferson. I hope you enjoy them as much as I.

Jefferson has been consistently ranked by scholars as one of the greatest presidents..


Thomas Jefferson could be called a prophet.
When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe .

Thomas Jefferson

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.

Thomas Jefferson

It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.

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

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

Thomas Jefferson

No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.

Thomas Jefferson

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.

Thomas Jefferson

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.

Thomas Jefferson

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.

Thomas Jefferson

In light of the present financial crisis, it's interesting to read what Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:'I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies. If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.

It's certainly something to think about.

Happy Presidents day!