Thomas Jefferson

There is a natural aristocracy among men. The grounds of this are virtue and talents.

I cannot live without books.

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

The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.

I hold it that a little rebellion, now and then, is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government.

For here we are not afraid to follow truth wherever it may lead...

Traveling makes a man wiser, but less happy.

Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.

Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.

I sincerely believe that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies, and that the principle of spending money to be paid by posterity, under the name of funding, is but swindling futurity on a large scale.